Exploring the Link between Hematological Parameters and Ocular Surface Disease: Insights from Pterygium.

Abstract

Background: Pterygium is a common ocular surface disorder characterized by fibrovascular growth onto the cornea. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and systemic factors.

Aim: To evaluate the associations between pterygium severity and systemic indicators including complete blood count (CBC), lipid profile, and random blood sugar (RBS).

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. Records of patients with clinically diagnosed pterygium were reviewed. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed across grades using Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, and Spearman correlation tests.

Results: Ninety-eight patients were included. The mean age was 40.8 ± 14.2 years. Grade II was the most common (41.8%), with nasal involvement predominating (88.8%). Most CBC indices did not vary significantly; however, eosinophil counts were lower in Grade IV (P = 0.04). Lipid parameters and RBS showed no significant differences. Hematocrit correlated negatively with disease severity (ρ = -0.212, P = 0.03).

Conclusion: While systemic parameters were largely comparable across grades, advanced pterygium was associated with reduced eosinophil counts and lower hematocrit, suggesting possible systemic inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate their role as prognostic markers.