Fluorescein Tear Breakup Time Research Articles

Can the optimum artificial tear treatment for dry eye disease be predicted from presenting signs and symptoms?

To assess dry eye treatment with four preservative-free dry eye artificial tear treatments to facilitate evidence-based prescribing. A randomised, single masked crossover trial of Clinitas Soothe, Hyabak, Tears Again and TheraTears artificial tears was conducted on 50 symptomatic dry eye patients, aged 60.8±14.2years. At baseline and after trialling each treatment for 4 weeks, signs and symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), non-invasive tear break-up time, fluorescein tear break-up time, tear meniscus height (TMH), Phenol Red test, lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), ocular surface staining, and lipid layer grading and osmolarity (baseline visit only). OSDI (p=0.002), LIPCOF (p=0.014) and conjunctival staining (p<0.001) significantly improved from baseline, however, the impact of each dry eye treatment on ocular symptoms and signs was similar. Clinitas Soothe and Hyabak were preferred by 34%/30% of participants, but only subjective comparison with the other drops influenced this choice. TheraTears was preferred (by 24%) by those with a lower baseline tear volume (p=0.01) and Tears Again (by 12%) by those with a thinner baseline lipid layer (p=0.04). The treatment that afforded the greatest improvement in clinical signs did not consistently match each individual's preferred treatment. If prescribed to a general dry eye population, the artificial tears performed similarly, improving symptoms and conjunctival signs. However, osmolarity balanced artificial tears were the preferred treatment in individuals with low baseline tear volume and lipisomal spray for individuals with a baseline lipid layer deficiency.

The Effect of Demodex Infestation on Blepharitis and the Ocular Symptoms.

This study aimed to determine the frequency of Demodex infestation of eyelashes in patients with and without blepharitis and to determine the effects of Demodex infestation on blepharitis and the ocular symptoms. The study included patients with chronic mixed (anterior + posterior) blepharitis who presented to our clinic. Patients with refractive error and no ocular disease were enrolled as the control group. From each participant, a total of 4 eyelashes were removed and were then examined under a light microscope for Demodex infestation. Symptoms, fluorescein tear breakup time, and ocular surface staining pattern were recorded. The prevalence of Demodex infection in the blepharitis group was 67.2%, versus 54.9% in the control group (P=0.18). The incidence of itching in the blepharitis group was significantly higher in the Demodex (+) patients than in the Demodex (-) patients (P<0.001). Fluorescein tear breakup time in the Demodex (+) patients was significantly shorter than in the Demodex (-) patients (P<0.001). There was not a significant difference in the fluorescein staining pattern between the 2 groups (P=0.57). The incidence of advanced stage blepharitis was significantly higher among the Demodex (+) patients (P=0.007). The incidence of cylindrical eyelash dandruff in the blepharitis group was significantly higher in the Demodex (+) patients (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in meibomian gland dysfunction between the 2 groups (P=0.039). Demodex infestation must be investigated in patients with advanced stage blepharitis, itching, and shorter than normal fluorescein tear breakup time.

Validation of Farsi Translation of the Ocular Surface Disease Index.

Purpose:To develop and validate a Farsi version of Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) for the Iranian population.Methods:This study was a translation and cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Farsi version of OSDI. Four bilingual (English-Persian) individual including three physicians and one native English teacher were asked to translate the original English OSDI questionnaire in Farsi. Following back and forth translation, integration and pilot check, the translation team came to consensus on translation. Consecutive patients visited in ophthalmology clinic, underwent comprehensive general ophthalmology exam and specific assessments for dry eye including non-anesthetic Schirmer's test, fluorescein tear break-up time, Fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining and Farsi OSDI (F-OSDI). F-OSDI was again rechecked within 2-7 days after the examination.Results:Forty-four participants were enrolled into study. Thirty-two (72.7%) were male and 12 (27.3%) female. Mean age of participants was 45.5 (SD = ±15.97, range = 18-80) years. Twenty five percent were less than 31 years old and 10% percent older than 65. The cronbach's alpha for the questionnaire was 0.807. Questions number 7, 8 showed excellent, and question12 showed good internal consistency, respectively. There was a significant correlation between all pre measures and post assessments.Conclusion:The obtained F-OSDI showed acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability. This F-OSDI could be used for assessment of dry eye, ocular surface discomfort and quality of life in Iranian and Farsi speaking populations.

Oral linolenic acid dietary supplementation in posterior blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction

Aim The aim of this research is to study the role of oral linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) dietary supplementation in posterior blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in patients attending the Outpatient Clinic at Fayoum University Hospital. Patients and methods Fifty patients with moderate to severe chronic blepharitis and simple obstructive MGD were included in the study. Patients received oral omega-3 dietary supplementation consisting of one 1000-mg capsule once daily and were examined every 6 weeks for 3 months. Objective clinical measures included tear production (Schirmer I with anesthesia), tear film stability (fluorescein tear break-up time), ocular surface health (fluorescein surface staining), tear meniscus height, plugged meibomian gland orifices, and eyelid telangiectasia. Results Twenty-four (48%) patients had an age between 45 and 60 years, 20 (40%) patients were more than 60 years old, and six (12%) patients were less than 45 years old. The male to female ratio was 1 : 2. Twelve (24%) male patients were smokers, whereas four (8%) female patients were using oral contraceptive pills. Twenty-two (44%) patients were hypertensive, whereas eight (16%) patients were diabetic. There was a significant improvement of dry-eye symptoms, signs, tear break-up time, Schirmer test, and meibomian gland orifices after 3 months of oral linolenic acid use. Conclusion The results after 3 months of treatment and follow-up were very satisfactory for the efficacy. Oral linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic blepharitis and MGD.

Efficacy of Carboxymethylcellulose and Hyaluronate in Dry Eye Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundThe efficacy of two artificial tears, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hyaluronate (HA), was compared in the treatment of patients with dry eye disease.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. The efficacy was compared in terms of the mean change from baseline in tear break-up time. The meta-analysis was conducted using both random and fixed effect models. The quality of the selected studies was assessed for risk of bias.ResultsFive studies were included involving 251 participants. Random effect model meta-analysis showed no significant difference between CMC and HA in treating dry eye disease (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.452; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.911 to 0.007; P=0.053). In contrast, fixed effect model meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in the CMC group when compared to the HA group (pooled SMD=-0.334; 95% CI, -0.588 to -0.081; P=0.010).ConclusionThe efficacy of CMC appeared to be better than that of HA in treating dry eye disease, although meta-analysis results were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to better elucidate the difference in efficacy between CMC and HA in treating dry eye disease.

Tear and Pterygium: A Clinico-Pathological Study of Conjunctiva for Tear Film Anomaly in Pterygium

Aims: To evaluate the clinical and histological status of tear film in patients with unilateral pterygium. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional, case-control, double-blinded study. Methods and Material: Cross-sectional study of both eyes of 102 patients with unilateral pterygium was conducted between March 2011 to December 2012. Patients were subject to fluorescein lower tear meniscus height (LTMH) evaluation, fluorescein tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test (using topical anesthetic), vital staining (viz. fluorescein, Rose Bengal and lissamine staining), LTMH imaging with anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) cornea-anterior module (CAM-L and CAM-S), and conjunctival smear impression cytology. The normal eye acted as control. Statistical analysis used: fisher’s t-test and chi-square test. Results: The study comprised of seventy males and thirty-two females in the age-range 28-76years. The mean fluorescein LTMH, mean TBUT, mean Schirmer’s test value, mean OCT CAM-S and CAM-L values in the normal control eyes were 0.36 ± 0.03 mm, 12.3 ± 1.9s, 13.4 ± 2.5 mm, 0.338 ± 0.082 mm and 0.325 ± 0.088 mm, respectively. The comparable values in eyes with pterygium were 0.24 ± 0.03 mm, 8.2 ± 1.4 sec, 9.2 ± 2.4 mm, 0.212 ± 0.046 mm and 0.204 ± 0.058 mm respectively. Goblet cell count was decreased in impression cytology. Conclusions: Both fluorescein and OCT LTMH were found to be significantly decreased (p<0.01) in eyes with pterygium compared to control eyes. Goblet cell count, TBUT and Schirmer’s test values were also comparatively decreased. This study thus emphasizes that tear film abnormalities play a role in aetiology of pterygium and hence early institution of therapy for tear film stabilization can help prevent the disease.

Effects of Long-term Soft Contact Lenses on Tear Menisci and Corneal Nerve Density.

We investigated the relationship between tear menisci and corneal subbasal nerve density (SND) in long-term soft contact lens (CL) wearers. Three groups were enrolled for this study: asymptomatic non-CL controls (N-CL group), asymptomatic soft CL wearers (A-CL group), and symptomatic soft CL wearers with self-reported moderate to severe dryness (S-CL group). Upper and lower tear menisci height (UTMH, LTMH) and area (UTMA, LTMA) were measured by optical coherence tomography. This was followed by measurements of fluorescein tear breakup time, fluorescein staining, and the Schirmer I test. In vivo confocal microscopy measured the SND in the nasal, central, and temporal regions of the cornea. The UTMH, UTMA, LTMH, and LTMA were significantly lower in the S-CL group compared with the N-CL group (P<0.05). The combined corneal SND of the temporal and nasal regions of the S-CL group was lower than for the N-CL group (P<0.05). The LTMH was correlated with the SND of the temporal (r=0.410), nasal (r=0.423), combined temporal and nasal (r=0.516), and combined temporal, nasal, and central regions (r=0.430, all P<0.01). The LTMA was also correlated with the SND of the temporal (r=0.379), nasal (r=0.292), combined temporal and nasal (r=0.422), and combined temporal, nasal, and central regions (r=0.367, all P<0.05). The temporal and nasal corneal SNDs were more strongly correlated with the LTMH and LTMA than with the UTMH and UTMA. Soft CL wearers with dry eye symptoms have reduced tear menisci. The alteration of midperipheral corneal SND may contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Clinical and Molecular Inflammatory Response in Sjögren Syndrome–Associated Dry Eye Patients Under Desiccating Stress

To evaluate the response of the lacrimal function unit in Sjögren syndrome (SS)-associated dry eye patients exposed to 2 simulated daily life environmental conditions. Prospective crossover pilot study. Fourteen female SS dry eye patients were exposed for 2 hours to a controlled normal condition (23 C, 45% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s) and a controlled adverse condition that simulates desiccating stress (23 C, 5% relative humidity, and air flow 0.10 m/s). The following dry eye tests were performed before and after the exposure: tear osmolarity, phenol red thread test, conjunctival hyperemia, fluorescein tear break-up time, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining, and Schirmer test. Levels of 16 molecules were analyzed in tears by multiplex immunobead analysis. Clinical evaluation showed lacrimal functional unit impairment after the desiccating stress: significantly increased tear osmolarity (315.7 ± 3.0 vs 327.7 ± 5.1 mOsm/L, P = .03), conjunctival hyperemia (1.3 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 0.1, P = .05), and corneal staining in temporal (3.5 ± 0.5 vs 4.7 ± 0.4, P = .01) and nasal (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 4.5 ± 0.5, P = .04) areas. Tear concentrations increased for interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (16 557.1 ± 4047.8 vs 31 895.3 ± 5916.5 pg/mL, P = .01), interleukin-6 (63.8 ± 20.2 vs 111.5 ± 29.6 pg/mL, P = .02), interleukin-8 (2196.1 ± 737.9 vs 3753.2 ± 1106.0 pg/mL, P = .03), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (101 515.6 ± 37 088.4 vs 145 867.1 ± 41 651.5 pg/mL, P = .03). After the simulated normal condition, only a significant increase in nasal corneal staining (2.9 ± 0.5 vs 3.6 ± 0.5, P = .03) was observed. Even a short exposure to a desiccating environment can produce a significant deterioration of the lacrimal function unit in female SS dry eye patients. The often unnoticed exposure to these conditions during daily life may increase inflammatory activity rapidly, triggering an ocular surface deterioration.

Agreement between Automated and Traditional Measures of Tear Film Breakup

To determine the repeatability and agreement between the noninvasive Keratograph tear break-up time (NIK-BUT) as measured by the Oculus Keratograph 4 and fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT). Sixty subjects were recruited for two study visits separated by 7 (± 2) days. At each visit, three NIK-BUT measures and FBUT measures were obtained. Each NIK-BUT measure from the Keratograph included a first and an average NIK-BUT. The means of the measures obtained, first NIK-BUT, and average NIK-BUT and FBUT were calculated for each visit. Between- and within-visit agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement (LoA) analyses of log-transformed data. Between-visit ICCs were 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.32 to 0.69] for first NIK-BUT, 0.59 (95% CI, 0.40 to 0.73) for average NIK-BUT, and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.78) for FBUT, whereas 95% LoA were -0.65 to 0.67, -0.44 to 0.48, and -1.14 to 1.10 [back transformed: (visit 1 + 0.01)/(visit 2 + 0.01) = 0.22 to 4.68, 0.36 to 3.02, and 0.07 to 12.59] for the aforementioned methods, respectively. The visit 1 within-visit ICC between first NIK-BUT and FBUT was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.62), whereas the 95% LoA was -0.84 to 1.18 [back transformed: (first NIK-BUT + 0.01)/(FBUT + 0.01) = 0.14 to 15.14]. Likewise, the visit 1 within-visit ICC between average NIK-BUT and FBUT was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.60), whereas the 95% LoA was -0.58 to 1.44 [back transformed: (average NIK-BUT + 0.01)/(FBUT + 0.01) = 0.26 to 27.54]. The 95% LoA suggest that the average NIK-BUT has better between-visit agreement compared with the first NIK-BUT or FBUT. The first NIK-BUT showed better within-visit agreement with the FBUT than the average NIK-BUT. In addition, there is better between- and within-visit agreement for all measures at lower values.

Effect of Lid Debridement-Scaling in Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye.

To evaluate the effect of lid debridement-scaling (LDS) on dry eye signs and symptoms in subjects with Sjögren syndrome (SS). This prospective randomized controlled study enrolled 14 female subjects with SS. Seven subjects were randomized into the treatment group where they were selected to receive LDS; the remainder did not receive LDS and served as control subjects. Lid debridement-scaling was conducted using a stainless steel golf club spud (Hilco Wilson Ophthalmics, Plainville, MA) on both the upper and lower eyelids of both eyes. Outcome variables were assessed before LDS and again 1 month later. The outcome variables were the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) visual analog scores, ocular staining (SICCA OSS [Sjögren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance Ocular Staining Score]), fluorescein tear breakup time (FLBUT), meibomian gland score (MGS), meibomian gland yielding liquid secretions (MGYLS) score, and line of Marx's (LOM) position. Thirteen subjects completed the study. Data from only the right eye were analyzed. For the control group (n = 6; mean [± SD] age, 62.3 [± 11.6] years), the pre-LDS, post-LDS, and significance level (pre-LDS mean [± SD] vs. post-LDS mean [± SD]; p value) were as follows: OSDI (58.3 [± 22.1] vs. 48.3 [± 29.0]; p = 0.051), SANDE (77.4 [± 22.1] vs. 89.6 [± 32.6]; p = 0.20), SICCA OSS (7.0 [± 4.5] vs. 8.2 [± 3.5]; p = 0.25), MGS (1.3 [± 1.5] vs. 1.0 [± 0.9]; p = 0.75), MGYLS (0.3 [± 0.5] vs. 0.0 [± 0.0]; p = 0.50), FLBUT (2.99 [± 1.54] vs. 2.85 [± 1.79]; p = 0.63), and LOM (2.0 [± 0.0] vs. 2.0 [± 0.0]; p = n/a). For the treatment group (n = 7; mean [± SD] age, 58.0 [± 8.1] years), the pre-LDS, post-LDS, and significance level were as follows: OSDI (63.2 [± 13.3] vs. 46.9 [± 19.4]; p = 0.04), SANDE (72.6 [± 17.1] vs. 77.0 [± 28.0]; p = 0.54), SICCA OSS (6.6 [± 2.9] vs. 5.0 [± 3.9]; p = 0.02), MGS (1.0 [± 1.2] vs. 3.1 [± 1.7]; p = 0.01), MGYLS (0.0 [± 0.0] vs. 0.6 [± 1.0]; p = 0.50), FLBUT (3.13 [± 0.81] vs. 3.45 [± 1.03]; p = 0.53), and LOM (0.9 [± 0.9] vs. 1.0 [± 1.0]; p = 1.00). This pilot study showed that LDS improved symptoms, ocular staining, and meibomian gland function for the group that received LDS. This indicates that LDS can aid in the management of SS dry eye.

Influence of Climate on Clinical Diagnostic Dry Eye Tests: Pilot Study.

To analyze dry eye disease (DED) tests and their consistency in similar nonsymptomatic population samples living in two geographic locations with different climates (Continental vs. Atlantic). This is a pilot study including 14 nonsymptomatic residents from Valladolid (Continental climate, Spain) and 14 sex-matched and similarly aged residents from Braga (Atlantic climate, Portugal); they were assessed during the same season (spring) of two consecutive years. Phenol red thread test, conjunctival hyperemia, fluorescein tear breakup time, corneal and conjunctival staining, and Schirmer test were evaluated on three different consecutive visits. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted kappa (κ) coefficient for quantitative and ordinal variables, respectively. Fourteen subjects were recruited in each city with a mean (± SD) age of 63.0 (± 1.7) and 59.1 (± 0.9) years (p = 0.08) in Valladolid and Braga, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient and κ values of the tests performed were below 0.69 and 0.61, respectively, for both samples, thus showing moderate to poor reliability. Subsequently, comparisons were made between the results corresponding to the middle and higher outdoor relative humidity (RH) visit in each location as there were no differences in mean temperature (p ≥ 0.75) despite RH values significantly differing (p ≤ 0.005). Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences were observed between Valladolid and Braga samples on tear breakup time (middle RH visit, 2.76 ± 0.60 vs. 5.26 ± 0.64 seconds; higher RH visit, 2.61 ± 0.32 vs. 5.78 ± 0.88 seconds) and corneal (middle RH, 0.64 ± 0.17 vs. 0.14 ± 0.10; higher RH, 0.60 ± 0.22 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0) and conjunctival staining (middle RH, 0.61 ± 0.17 vs. 0.14 ± 0.08; higher RH, 0.57 ± 0.15 vs. 0.18 ± 0.09). This pilot study provides initial evidence to support that DED test outcomes assessing the ocular surface integrity and tear stability are climate dependent. Future large-sample studies should support these outcomes also in DED patients. This knowledge is fundamental for multicenter clinical trials. Lack of consistency in diagnostic clinical tests for DED was also corroborated.

Effect of 0.3% Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose/Dextran Versus 0.18% Sodium Hyaluronate in the Treatment of Ocular Surface Disease in Glaucoma Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Controlled Study.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of 0.3% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/dextran (HPMC/dextran) and 0.18% sodium hyaluronate (SH) in the treatment of ocular surface disease in patients using antiglaucoma drugs containing preservatives.Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study in 70 glaucoma patients with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score greater than 20 points and/or presence of ocular signs. Patients were randomized to receive either preservative-free 0.3% HPMC/dextran (n=35) or preservative-free 0.18% SH (n=35). Treatment was 1 drop in each eye, 4 times a day. Data were collected at baseline, at day 7 and day 28.Results: The groups were homogeneous at baseline. At day 28, both treatments showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the mean OSDI score, lid skin and lid margin inflammation, conjunctival injection, and expressibility of meibomian glands, corneal staining score, fluorescein tear breakup time (FBUT), and Schirmer I test. However, the mean OSDI score, lid margin inflammation and conjunctival injection showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the SH group at days 7 and 28, compared to the HPMC/dextran group. FBUT and the Schirmer I test also showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the SH group compared to the HPMC/dextran group, at day 28. No adverse reactions were observed in either group.Conclusions: Preservative-free artificial tear, 0.3% HPMC/dextran, and 0.18% SH, caused a significant relief of the ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients. However, 0.18% SH led to a greater improvement in ocular signs and symptoms than 0.3% HPMC/dextran.

Disinfectant efficacy of soft contact lens care system containing povidone iodine

Disinfectant efficacy of soft contact lens care system containing povidone iodine

Measurement of Precorneal Tear Film Using Scheimpflug Camera and Relationship with Parameters for Dry Eye

Purpose: To compare the anterior segment parameters including precorneal tear film thickness (PTFT) using Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) between normal control and dry eye groups and to examine the relationships between the PTFT and other parameters for dry eye. Methods: The present study included 23 normal controls (31 eyes) and 25 patients with dry eyes (31 eyes). We compared measurements including PTFT, corneal thickness and astigmatism using Pentacam and analyzed the correlations among the PTFT and fluorescein tear break-up time (FBUT), Schirmer I test (without anesthesia), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Results: The mean PTFT in dry eyes (21.1 ± 2.0 μm) was significantly thinner than in normal eyes (37.6 ± 2.0 μm; p < 0.01). In the dry eye group, the corneal thickness was thicker than in the normal eye group but there were no clinically significant differences. The dry eye group experienced more frequent and severe corneal astigmatism compared with the normal group. OSDI scores showed a weak negative correlation with objective clinical measures of dry eye (FBUT, Schirmer I test) but was not statistically significant. However, OSDI was statistically significantly negatively correlated with PTFT (r = -0.46, p < 0.01). The PTFT showed a weak positive correlation with FBUT and Schirmer I test without statistical significance. Conclusions: The mean PTFT using Pentacam in the dry eye group was thinner than in the normal group. Additionally, the PTFT was correlated with subjective symptoms. Therefore, the PTFT measurement using Pentacam could be considered a useful method for diagnosis and treatment of dry eye. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2015;56(11):1699-1705

Ocular graft versus host disease in allogenic haematopoetic stem cell transplantation in a tertiary care centre in India.

Background & objectives:This study was aimed to report the occurrence of ocular graft versus host disease (oGVHD) in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) patients in a tertiary care hospital setting.Methods:A cross-sectional study of ocular surface of allo-HSCT patients was done. Slit lamp biomicroscopy, symptom score, tear meniscus height, fluorescein tear break-up time, Schirmer's test I, ocular surface staining, dry eye severity, ocular surface disease index score were done. Indications for allo-HSCT, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, GVHD risk factor, systemic manifestation and treatment were also noted.Results:GVHD occurred in 44.4 per cent of 54 allo-HSCT patients (mean age 26.7 ± 12 yr) included in the study. GVHD risk factors identified included female gender, relapse, older age of donor, cytomagelo virus (CMV) reactivation, and multiparous female donors. oGVHD was noted in 31.5 per cent with mean time to occurrence being 17.8 ± 21.9 months after the allo-HSCT and was observed in 89.5 per cent of chronic GVHD cases. Acute GVHD (oral and dermatological) involvement showed a significant association with GVHD in our patients (P< 0.001, 0R 23.0, CI 6.4-82.1). Chronic GVHD was observed to be associated with the occurrence of oGVHD (dry eye) (P<0.001, OR = 24.0, CI 0.02 - 0.29). Of the 34 eyes with oGHVD, dry eye of level 3 severity was seen in 16, level 2 in six, level 1 in 12 eyes.Interpretation & conclusions:GVHD occurred in 44.4 per cent of the patients studied in the present study. Acute and chronic GVHD showed a strong association with oGVHD. Dry eye disease due to chronic oGVHD was observed in 17 (31.5%) of 54 allo-HSCT patient with chronic oGVHD occurring in 17 (89.4%) of chronic GVHD cases in allo-HSCT patients. Our study on oGVHD in post allo-HSCT patients in tertiary care centre points towards the fact that ocular morbidity due to dry eye disease as a result of oGVHD is a cause for concern in these patients.

Ocular Surface Evaluation in Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients

To evaluate ocular surface of chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) patients in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Cross-sectional study of allo-HSCT patients. Data recorded included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, fluorescein tear break-up time (FTBUT), Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining, dry eye severity, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). Of 40 allo-HSCT patients (mean age 25.7 ± 11.03 years) studied, dry eye disease was noted in 30%. The OSDI was mild in 16.67%, moderate in 45.83%, and severe in 20.83% ocular GVHD (oGVHD) eyes; mild in 94.64%, moderate in 5.36% non-oGVHD eyes (p<0.001). The FTBUT was ≤5 seconds in 45.83%, >5 seconds in 54.17% of eyes with chronic oGVHD. Schirmer I test score was ≤5 mm in 58.33% of eyes with oGVHD. Conjunctival staining score was <3 in 25%, ≥3 in 75% of oGVHD eyes. Corneal staining score of <3 in 79.17%, ≥3 in 20.83% was seen in oGVHD eyes. Chronic oGVHD was seen in 24 eyes, with dry eye severity of level 3 in 17.5%, level 2 in 2.5%, level 1 in 10%. The CIC was abnormal in 75% with altered morphology seen in 22 eyes with oGVHD (91.7%) and 38 eyes without oGVHD (67.9%) (p = 0.024). Significant ocular surface changes occur due to chronic oGVHD in allo-HSCT patients. The OSDI score, corneal involvement, and Schirmer I test are indicative of ocular morbidity in post allo-HSCT eyes. Conjunctival impression cytology abnormality is also seen in eyes without oGVHD.

Ocular findings in children with thalassemia major in Eastern Mediterranean.

To investigate ophthalmologic findings in children with thalassemia major (TM) and compare the findings with healthy controls. In a cross-sectional study, 43 children with thalassemia major from pediatric hematology outpatient clinics from two university hospitals and age/sex matched 47 healthy children were included in the study. After a complete ophthalmic examination, tear function tests including the Schirmer test, fluorescein tear break-up time (BUT), ultrasound pachymetry, and axial length measurement were performed. Obtained data was recorded for statistical analysis and the values of right eyes were compared between groups. The mean best corrected visual acuity was 1.34±0.75 in TM and 1.08±0.28 in controls. It was found lower than 0.1 logMAR unit in 10 (23.2%) children with TM and 2 (4.2%) in controls, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean central corneal thickness was 540±26.95 in children with TM and 536.98±20.45µm in controls (P>0.05). The mean axial length was 22.53±0.50 in TM and 22.57±0.43mm in the control group. The mean Schirmer test score was 19.94±6.91 in TM and 24.22±3.95mm in the control group (P<0.01). The mean BUT score was 9.62±1.28 in TM and 9.73±0.6s in the control group (P>0.05). In TM, while corneal thickness, axial length, and BUT are close to controls, the Schirmer scores are less than normal. The study revealed that TM may be affected by the tear function and visual acuity.

Treatment of Refractory Dry Eye Associated with Graft Versus Host Disease with 0.03% Tacrolimus Eyedrops

We investigate the efficacy of 0.03% topical tacrolimus eyedrops for the treatment of dry eye in graft versus host disease (GVHD) patients resistant/intolerant to 0.05% topical cyclosporine. Forty-three patients were enrolled in this prospective study. After completing a 1-year run-in period of using artificial tears, 50% autologous serum eyedrops, and punctal plug occlusion, all the symptomatic patients (n=29) were treated with 0.05% topical cyclosporine (Restasis(®); Allergan, Inc.). After 1 month, the patients who presented topical or systemic intolerance to cyclosporine were instructed to instill 0.03% topical tacrolimus once a day for 3 months (n=14). All the patients were allowed to continue with their basal dry eye treatment. Visual acuity, fluorescein staining, Schirmer test, fluorescein tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height measurement were evaluated fortnightly (minimum 3 months). Subjective assessments of symptoms were also reported at the beginning and at the end of the study. Dry eye symptoms and signs improved statistically (P<0.05) and significantly with tacrolimus and cyclosporine topical treatment. No significant differences were observed between both the groups. The mean follow-up time was 12.14±2.69 months (range 10-18 months). The findings of this prospective pilot study suggest that cyclosporine-intolerant patients with dry eye associated with GVHD can be effectively treated with topical tacrolimus.

A Randomized Double-Masked Study of 0.05% Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion in the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

To compare the efficacy of topical cyclosporine [0.05% cyclosporine A (CsA)] and preservative-free artificial tears in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A 3-month prospective, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group controlled trial enrolled 70 patients with symptomatic MGD and unstable tear film [tear breakup time (TBUT) <8 seconds]. Patients were randomized to topical CsA (0.05%; group A) and 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (control; group B) instilled twice daily for 3 months. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), lid margin inflammation, meibomian gland expression, conjunctival injection, corneal and interpalpebral dye staining, noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT) using the Tearscope Plus and invasive fluorescein tear breakup time (FBUT), and Schirmer I test were performed. At the 3-month evaluation, mean OSDI, NIBUT and FBUT, lid margin inflammation, meibomian gland expressibility, and tarsal injection showed significant improvement from baseline in group A (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). In group B, only the OSDI improved significantly from baseline at 3 months (P=0.003). TBUTs (NIBUT and FBUT) were significantly longer in group A at all visits, and the mean change of TBUTs from baseline was also significantly greater in group A at 3 months (P<0.001). Topical CsA 0.05% twice daily may be helpful in the treatment of MGD mainly by improving tear film stability.

Tear Osmolarity and Ocular Changes in Pterygium

To determine abnormalities in tear osmolarity (TO), tear function, and impression cytology in patients with pterygium and to assess the relationship between the variables. Thirty eyes from 30 patients with primary nasal pterygium and 30 eyes from 30 volunteers without ocular pathologies or dry eye symptoms were enrolled in the present study. TO test, tear ferning test, fluorescein tear breakup time, Schirmer test, and impression cytology of the conjunctiva were performed. Analysis of variance was applied for intergroup comparisons, and Pearson correlation was used to calculate the strength of relationships between the variables. A statistical significance level of P<0.05 was considered. Pterygium patients had significantly higher TO, lower crystallization percentage, and lower goblet cell density (GCD) than control patients. A weak but significant negative correlation seems to exist between TO and crystallization percentage (r=-0.425, P<0.01) and between TO and GCD (r=-0.295, P<0.05). There is evidence to suggest that pterygium appears to induce unfavorable conditions of increasing TO that could trigger alterations in tear crystallization and GCD. Being aware of TO changes seems essential to understand the complex relationship among pterygium, tear film functions, and ocular surface changes.