CLINICAL STATUS, OCULAR SURFACE CHANGES AND TEAR FERNING IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

Twenty-three cystic fibrosis patients and 20 controls were examined fo r ocular surface changes and tear fluid ferning characteristics. The p atients were also evaluated systemically and given numerical scores ac cording to Schwachman's scoring system. Frequency of blepharitis, fluo rescein staining, and the Schirmer's test values did not differ betwee n patients and controls. Patients with cystic fibrosis had a higher fr equency of altered ferning pattern that corresponded to the disease se verity as measured by the Schwachman score (r = -0.48, p < 0.05). Alth ough altered ferning pattern was frequent, the rate of type I ferning was also high (30%) in patients with cystic fibrosis. We conclude that the ferning test should not be used as an aid in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis but it may be used as an indicator of clinical status during follow-up.