Abstract
PurposeTo test whether Schirmer test (ST) results are associated with topical or systemic medication and to evaluate the distribution of tear fluid quantity in a 3-min and 5-min ST. MethodsThe Gutenberg Health Study is a population-based, prospective, observational cohort study in Germany. ST was assessed in a sub-cohort of 1,999 participants. ST was performed under topical anesthesia for 5 min (ST-5) or of 3 min (ST-3). Anthropometric factors, systemic diseases, use of systemic and eye medications were recorded. We used multivariable quantile regression analysis to assess the influence on ST measurements. ResultsThe length of wetting of the Schirmer strips for ST-5 was 23.2 ± 9.31 mm for right and 22.9 ± 9.0 mm for left eyes. In ST-3, the measurements were 20.0 mm in right and 19.1 mm in left eyes. The clinical cut off of 10 mm for ST-5 corresponded with an 8 mm cut off for ST-3.There was an association of smaller ST-5 measures with male sex, higher age, socioeconomic status and season (all p < 0.001), but not with diabetes or smoking. The use of prostaglandin or beta-blocker eye drops or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, thyroid hormones, progesterone and estrogen combination drugs, and hypnotics and sedatives showed an association with smaller ST-5. ConclusionsFor the first time we describe the distribution of tear fluid quantity by ST in a very large cohort of the general population. Furthermore, we found associations of ST measures with topical and systemic medication.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.