Abstract
age 9.4±2.3 years) was compared with a control group of 78 healthy children matched for gender and age. The diagnosis of celiac disease was performed according to the modified criteria of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. All children answered the validated McCarty symptom questionnaire to investigate the presence and the score of ocular discomfort symptoms and underwent to the Schirmer test with topical anesthesia. The Schirmer test was considered abnormal in presence of values ≤ 5mm/5minutes. The Schirmer test was repeated after 12 months of a gluten free-diet in all children with celiac disease. Results: Ten celiac children complained of dry eye symptoms versus one of control group (12.8% vs 2.6%; p=0.037, chi-square test). The median score of Schirmer test was significantly lower in celiac children as compared to controls (11.3±3.2 mm vs 15.7±3.9 mm; p=0.000, t-test). The Schirmer test was abnormal in five children and in one control (7.7% vs 1.5%; ns, chi-square test). After 12 months of a gluten-free diet the Schirmer test significantly improved in children with celiac disease (13.7±3.9 mm; p=0.000, paired t-test). Conclusions: Lacrimal secretion is reduced in children with celiac disease and a gluten free-diet has a beneficial effect. Screening for celiac disease may be indicated in children with lacrimal hyposecretion.
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