Trace elements and blepharıtıs

Abstract 

Introductıon

Investigating the relationship between the serum levels of zinc and copper with blepharitis.

Methods

Twenty seven patients with blepharitis and 24 control group patients were evaluated for Schirmer, fluorescein break up time (FBUT) scores and serum levels of zinc and copper. Symptoms and clinical examination scores of blepharitis patients were also assessed.

Results

The serum level of zinc (65.78±15.51 in patients with blepharitis and 65.71±10.43 in patients without blepharitis, normal values in the laboratory: 70–127μg/dl) and copper (67.17±22.24 in patients with blepharitis and 69.35±14.44 in patients without blepharitis, normal values in the laboratory: 70–150μg/dl) were not different between the two groups. The symptom and clinical examination scores of blephraritis patients were not correlated with the serum levels of either zinc or copper.

Dıscussıon

The zinc and copper levels in serum do not seem to be related to blepharitis. Their tear levels and sensory status of cornea should also be evaluted to better evaluate a possible relation.

Keywords: Trace elements, Blepharitis