Density of goblet cells in vernal conjunctivitis and contact lens-associated giant papillary conjunctivitis.

Using light microscopy, the density of goblet epithelial cells was determined in the conjunctival epithelium of ten patients with vernal conjunctivitis, ten patients with contact lens-associated giant papillary conjunctivitis, and ten normal subjects. The median density was 13,000/cu mm for vernal conjunctivitis, 11,000/cu mm for giant papillary conjunctivitis, and 11,000/cu mm for normal subjects, a statistically insignificant difference. Increased mucus in vernal conjunctivitis and contact mucus in vernal conjunctivitis and contact lens-associated giant papillary conjunctivitis is not accounted for by an increased density of goblet cells per cubic millimeter. It is probably caused by the greater surface area and thickness of epithelium, with a concomitant increase in the total number of goblet cells and increased mucus from nongoblet epithelial cells.