Non-invasive Keratograph Break-up Time Research Articles

Correlations between Quality of Vision, Higher Order Aberrations and Non-Invasive Keratographic Tear Film Break-Up Time in Pseudophakic Eyes after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification

Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the intercorrelations between tear film break up time, measured non-invasively using non-invasive keratographic break-up time (NIKBUT), higher order aberrations (HOA) and quality of vision (QoV) in pseudophakic patients.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional.
 Methods: Thirty-five pseudophakic aged patients aged 50 years or older, and 35 control phakic patients aged 17 to 23 years with corrected visual acuity of 20/20 were included in this study. All subjects underwent similar examination including QoV questionnaire, aberrometry to measure HOA, and NIKBUT. HOA was measured with the OPD-Scan/ ARK 10000 corneal analyzer (Nidek CO. Ltd), expressed as Root Mean Square (RMS) HOA and NIKBUT was assessed using non-invasive TF-Scan module Keratograph 5M (K5M), equipped with modified tear film scanning function (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed to find the correlation between NIKBUT, HOA and QoV.
 Results: Patients in the pseudophakic group were significantly older (median age 66 vs. 20 years; P<0.01), had shorter NIKBUT (10.5 vs. 17.2; P<0.01), lower QoV score (1.63 vs. 0.68; P=0.04), and higher RMS HOA (0.5 vs. 0.26; P<0.01) compared to control group. NIKBUT was inversely correlated with RMS HOA (r = -0.19; p = 0.03) and RMS HOA was significantly correlated with QoV, even after adjustment for age and gender (r = -0.21; P0.04). NIKBUT <9.93s was correlated with lower QoV. The area under the curve was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.67 – 0.95, p = 0.012), and had 100% sensitivity and 61% specificity.
 Conclusion: Shorter NIKBUT was correlated with greater HOA and greater HOA was correlated with lower QoV. NIKBUT value of shorter than 9.93s could potentially predict pseudophakic patients who will likely experience visual symptoms leading to decreased QoV; thus, the use of artificial tears might be beneficial.

Determining the Best Management Strategy for Preventing Short-Term Effects of Digital Display Use on Dry Eyes.

To assess and compare the effectiveness of four main management strategies for preventing short-term effects of digital display use on dry eye signs and symptoms. The ocular surface, tear film, and visual fatigue of 47 healthy individuals were assessed before and after reading on a laptop computer for 20 min under five different experimental conditions: control, instillation of artificial tears, taking a brief break, using a blue light screen filter, and blink control. Measurements included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) Questionnaire, 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), bulbar conjunctival redness, and pupil size. Worse results were obtained after the control and blue light filter conditions in all variables (P≤0.037). A higher post-task DEQ-5 score (P=0.013) and TMH (P<0.0005) were obtained when taking a brief break compared with pretask, although the increase in symptoms was significantly smaller than that observed in the nonmanagement control condition (P≤0.036). Similarly, a smaller increase in OSDI and DEQ-5 was obtained with the use of artificial tears and blink control in comparison with the control condition (P≤0.008), whereas a greater increase in DEQ-5 and decrease in NIKBUT was obtained for the blue light filter condition in comparison with the instillation of artificial tears (P=0.017) or blink control (P=0.008), respectively. Finally, a significantly lower post-task pupil size was obtained for all the conditions (P≤0.027). The instillation of artificial tears and blink control were the best management strategies for preventing short-term effects of digital display use on dry eyes. Conversely, using a blue light filter did not offer any benefits.

Digital display use and contact lens wear: Effects on dry eye signs and symptoms.

To assess the potential additive effects of short-term display use and contact lens (CL) wear on the ocular surface and tear film. Thirty-four healthy volunteers (20.87±2.33years old) participated in this study. Participants' dry eye symptoms, ocular surface, tear film and pupil size were assessed before and after executing a 20-min reading task on a computer and a smartphone with and without CL wear, or with CL wear and artificial tear instillation. Measurements included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire; 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5); tear meniscus height (TMH); noninvasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT); bulbar conjunctival redness (BR) and pupil size. Higher symptoms were reported after reading on both displays with and without CLs (p≤0.001) for short periods. BR was higher and NIKBUT shorter after reading on the computer regardless of wearing CLs (p≤0.02 and p≤0.02, respectively), while TMH increased for all conditions (p≤0.02) except for CL computer reading (p=0.23). Reading with CLs did not lead to greater signs of dry eye (BR, NIKBUT) and symptoms compared with reading unaided (p>0.05), although a smaller increase in TMH was observed when reading on the computer with CLs (p=0.005). Artificial tear instillation during CL wear led to a smaller increase in symptoms (p≤0.02), a smaller increase in BR (p≤0.04) and a decrease in NIKBUT (p=0.02) compared to reading without correction. Disposable CL wear had no additive effects on signs and symptoms of dry eye when using digital devices for short periods. The instillation of artificial tears is an effective strategy for reducing the impact of display use in CL wearers.

Analysis of Tear Function Outcomes following Collagen Cross-Linking Treatment in Ectatic Corneas

Purpose To analyze tear function outcomes following collagen cross-linking (CXL) treatment in ectatic corneas. Methods Fifty-seven eyes of 34 patients were included, and patients with keratoconus who underwent epithelium-on (epi-on) or epithelium-off (epi-off) CXL were evaluated. The following tests were performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum keratometry value (Kmax), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, slit-lamp examination, tear meniscus height, first noninvasive Keratograph breakup time (1st NIKBUT), average NIKBUT, and bulbar redness. Results BCVA improved in both epi-on and epi-off groups at most follow-up points, but was not significantly different between groups. At 12-month follow-up, Kmax in the epi-on and epi-off groups improved after CXL, but there was no significant difference between the groups. The OSDI in both groups decreased after operation compared with before surgery, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Comparing the two groups, only the change in the tear meniscus height at 6 months postoperatively was statistically significant, and the pre- and postoperative values of the two groups were within the normal range (>0.20 mm). The change was small and had no clinical significance. There was no change in the 1st NIKBUT and average NIKBUT between the epi-on and epi-off groups. A change in bulbar redness was significantly better in the epi-off group than in the epi-on group at 3 months postoperatively. Comparing the effects at 1 year postoperatively, both groups had positive results in OSDI, NIKBUT, tear meniscus height, and bulbar redness. Conclusion Both epi-on and epi-off CXL can control the progression of keratoconus, although epi-off CXL is more effective. Both methods have a positive effect on dry eye, which can improve the condition of the tear film and reduce dry eye symptoms in patients with keratoconus.

Ocular surface predisposing factors for digital display-induced dry eye

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The use of digital displays is recognised as a consistent risk factor for dry eye disease. Background To identify ocular parameters contributing to the impact of computer use on dry eye. Methods The ocular surface of 82 undergraduate students with a mean age of 22.8 ± 2.1 years was assessed at baseline and after reading on a computer for 30 minutes. Measurements included the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, 5-item dry eye questionnaire (DEQ-5), tear meniscus height, non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), conjunctival bulbar redness, meibomian gland dropout percentage, spontaneous blink rate and percentage of incomplete blinks. Multiple linear regressions and generalised linear mixed models were conducted to explore the associations between baseline parameters and pre-task – post-task differences and to predict the impact of computer use, respectively. Results Greater dry eye symptoms (p < 0.0005), higher tear meniscus height and conjunctival bulbar redness (p < 0.0005 and p = 0.012, respectively) and shorter NIKBUT (p = 0.03) were obtained after reading on the computer for 30 minutes. The baseline score obtained with the OSDI and DEQ-5 was positively associated with the increase in symptoms with computer use (p < 0.0005), while the change in conjunctival redness and pre-task NIKBUT were associated with the change in NIKBUT (p ≤ 0.005). No ocular surface parameter revealed an association with tear meniscus height changes. Having a positive OSDI score at baseline increased the odds of painful and sore eyes (p = 0.012), while a higher pre-task NIKBUT increased the odds of a reduction in tear stability (p = 0.038). Conclusions Participants with greater dry eye symptoms were more likely to experience a greater increase in symptomatology with computer operation, while the participants with longer NIKBUT and greater conjunctival redness were more likely to suffer a greater reduction in tear stability.

Changes of Dry Eye Parameters Especially Meibomian Gland Functions After Punctal Plugs Insertion in Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye Patients.

BackgroundThe study aimed at investigating the changes of dry eye parameters, especially the meibomian gland function in dry eye patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and non-Sjögren's syndrome (non-SS) before and after punctal plugs insertion.Material and MethodsThe SS and non-SS dry eye patients that received punctal plugs insertion were prospectively investigated. This study recruited fifty patients. The standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive Keratographic breakup time (NIKBUT), Schirmer test without anesthesia (Schirmer I Test, SI T), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), the meibomian gland dropout (meiboscore), meibum expressibility score (MES), meibum quality score (MQS), lid margin abnormalities and the lipid layer thickness (LLT) were analyzed at pre-obstruction, 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months following the obstruction.ResultsOur study observed a statistically significant improvement in ocular symptom scores (SPEED and OSDI scores) after punctal plugs insertion at every visit in both SS and non-SS patients (all p < 0.05). A similar pattern was observed in TMH, SI T, NIKBUT and CFS score in both groups (all p < 0.05), except that NIKBUT and CFS score had no obvious change in SS group at 6 months (P > 0.05). In terms of the meibomian gland evaluation, meiboscore did not change significantly, MES decreased at 2 and 6 months and MQS decreased only at 2 months in both groups. The lid margin abnormalities of the non-SS group were significantly improved at 2 and 6 months, while that of the SS group had changes only at 2 months. Interestingly, LLT in non-SS group continued to rise, reaching a higher level at 2 months (p < 0.05), while LLT in SS group increased only at 2 months (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, after the puntcal plugs insertion, non-SS group showed better outcomes concerning some parameters, such as lower ocular symptom scores, higher TMH and significantly greater LLT, compared with that in SS group (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur study revealed that dry eye symptoms and signs, including meibomian gland function, improved for at least 6 months in non-SS dry eye patients as well as in SS dry eye patients after punctal plugs insertion.

Analysis of the first tear film break-up point in Sj\xf6gren\u2019s syndrome and non-Sj\xf6gren\u2019s syndrome dry eye patients

BackgroundTear film instability plays an important role in the course of Sjögren’s Syndrome dry eye (SSDE) even though it is generally classified as aqueous-deficient dry eye. The measurement of the first tear film break-up point (FTBUP) helps to evaluate the most unstable position of the tear film on ocular surface. We aim to investigate FTBUP in Sjögren’s Syndrome dry eye (SSDE) and non-Sjögren’s Syndrome dry eye (NSSDE) patients, and explore its correlation with dry eye indices.MethodsTwenty-two SSDE patients (44 eyes) and 22 NSSDE patients (44 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Oculus Keratograph K5M was used to measure FTBUP, the first and average non-invasive keratographic breakup time (f-NIKBUT and av-NIKBUT), the tear meniscus height, and meibomian gland dropout. Other tests of tear film were also performed including Ocular Surface Dryness Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test, fluorescein break-up time and corneal fluorescein staining. Dry eye indices and the locations of the FTBUP were compared between SSDE and NSSDE patients. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to ajusted the correlations between right and left eyes. The correlations between the FTBUP and ocular symptoms and signs were investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test.ResultsThe FTBUP occurred at the supranasal quadrant in 12/88 eyes, supratemporal quadrant in 8/88 eyes, inferonasal quadrant in 34/88 eyes, and inferotemporal quadrant in 34/88 eyes. The percentage eyes with inferior FTBUP was significantly higher in the SSDE than in the NSSDE subjects (86.3% vs 68.1%, P = .049). Moreover, in SSDE subjects, temporal breakup point was seen more often in those who presented corneal fluorescein staining in any location, while nasal breakup point was more frequent in those who did not present any corneal fluorescein staining (P = .045).ConclusionThe location of the FTBUP in SSDE patients had specific characteristics. However, the diagnostic potential of FTBUP in early recognition of SSDE needs further validation.

Evaluation of the MGDRx eyebag treatment in young and older subjects with dry eye symptoms

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between application of the MGDRx thermal eyebag and dry eye signs and symptoms in young and older subjects and to compare the results between the two groups. Thirty young, healthily volunteers between 18 and 31 years of age (23.95±3.94 years) and thirty older subjects between 61 and 90 years of age (77.97±8.11 years) participated in this study. Ocular surface parameters were assessed using the Oculus Keratograph 5M, following the guidelines of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Dry Eye Workshop II Diagnostic Methodology report. Only subjects with a positive score on at least one questionnaire and an initial Non-Invasive Keratograph Break-Up Time (NIKBUT) under 10seconds were included in the study. After thermal bag self-application in both eyes every day for 2 weeks, the protocol was carried out again. Lid massage was performed after lid warming. Compliance and degree of improvement were also assessed. The young volunteer group showed an improvement in NIKBUT, lipid layer score, upper eyelid gland drop-out percentage and dry eye symptoms over the two week treatment period. Improvements in meibum quality, gland obstruction, telangiectasia scores, and dry eye symptoms were found in the older subjects. Mixed ANOVA revealed better NIKBUT and lipid layer values in the young subjects. Despite the treatment compliance being statistically higher in the older group than in the younger subjects (P=0.002), there were no significant differences in subjective improvement between groups (P=0.097). Dry eye-related symptoms were improved after thermal bag application, while NIKBUT and lipid layer thickness were improved only in the younger subjects.

Effect of a Novel Thermostatic Device on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Patients.

IntroductionMeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition that causes excessive evaporation of tears by changing the tear film composition. Current treatments often fail to produce satisfactory results, which is mostly due to poor patient adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the MiBoFlo Thermoflo® on both subjective symptoms and objective signs in Chinese patients with MGD.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 108 eyes of 54 patients with MGD who were recruited in Beijing Tongren Hospital and randomized 1:1 to MiBoFlo (n = 54 eyes) or LipiFlow® (n = 54 eyes) treatment group. In the MiBoFlo group, patients received three 10-min treatments, each spaced 2 weeks apart, and the treatment was followed by eyelid compression each time. Patients in the LipiFlow group received a single 12-min treatment. The primary parameters measured included changes in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, Meibomian Glands Yielding Liquid Secretion (MGYLS) score, and Meibomian Glands Secretion (MGS) score from baseline to 2 months. The secondary parameters included tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and meibomian glands (MG) loss from baseline to 2 months. Safety parameters include visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior segment, and facial skin.ResultsThe OSDI, MGYLS, and MGS scores all improved from baseline to 1 month in both MiBoFlo and LipiFlow groups, and these improvements were maintained at 2 months. CFS score, NIKBUT, and MG loss showed no significant change in both groups.ConclusionAs a portable and comfortable device, MiBoFlo can improve the treatment of MGD and achieve a sustained improvement in both symptoms and meibomian gland function lasting at least 2 months.

Diagnostic Capability of a New Objective Method to Assess Meibomian Gland Visibility.

The diagnosis of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is challenging. Measuring meibomian gland visibility may provide an additional objective method to diagnose MGD. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of new metrics to better diagnose MGD, based on measuring meibomian gland visibility. One hundred twelve healthy volunteers (age, 48.3 ± 27.5 years) were enrolled in this study. Ocular surface parameters were measured using the Oculus Keratograph 5M (Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar). Subjects were classified according to the presence or absence of MGD. New metrics based on the visibility of the meibomian glands were calculated and later compared between groups. The diagnostic ability of ocular surface parameters and gland visibility metrics was studied through receiver operating characteristic curves. Logistic regression was used to obtain the combined receiver operating characteristic curve of the metrics with the best diagnostic ability. Statistically significant differences were found between groups for all ocular surface parameters and new gland visibility metrics, except for the first noninvasive keratograph breakup time and gland expressibility. New gland visibility metrics showed higher sensitivity and specificity than did current single metrics when their diagnostic ability was assessed without any combination. The diagnostic capability increased when gland visibility metrics were incorporated into the logistic regression analysis together with gland dropout percentage, tear meniscus height, dry eye symptoms, and lid margin abnormality score (P < .001). The combination of median pixel intensity of meibography gray values and the aforementioned ocular surface metrics achieved the highest area under the curve (0.99), along with excellent sensitivity (1.00) and specificity (0.93). New meibomian gland visibility metrics are more powerful to diagnose MGD than current single metrics and can serve as a complementary tool for supporting the diagnosis of MGD.

An investigation into the effects of ocular nebulization combined with meibomian gland massage on ocular surface status and corneal higher-order aberrations for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

To evaluate ocular surface status and corneal higher-order aberrations after a new ocular nebulization therapy combined with meibomian gland massage for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This prospective randomized study involved 38 patients diagnosed with MGD. Subjects were classified into two groups: the nebulization and meibomian gland massage group (or NB group, 14 patients, 28 eyes) and the eye drop group (or ED group, 24 patients, 48 eyes). Azithromycin solution and esculin and digitalis glycoside eye drops were tested in the therapy. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing; noncontact tonometry; fundoscopy; the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire; tear film assessment encompassing tear meniscus height (TMH) and non-invasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT); corneal fluorescein staining; the Schirmer I test (SIT); and anterior, posterior and total corneal aberrations were evaluated at 1 and 3 months after treatment. At 3 months, the NB group showed significantly better improvement than the ED group in terms of TMH (0.23 ± 0.04 versus 0.19 ± 0.05, p = 0.002) and first breakup time (f-BUT; 7.42 ± 2.49 versus 5.53 ± 2.12, p = 0.001). The average breakup time (Av-BUT) of the NB group was significantly longer than that of the ED group at 1 month (9.52 ± 2.70 versus 8.02 ± 2.33, p = 0.013) and 3 months (5.53 ± 2.12 versus 8.35 ± 2.38, p = 0.018). Both groups achieved improvement in corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and SIT results at 1 and 3 months (p < 0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, anterior corneal trefoil aberrations decreased significantly in the NB group (p = 0.008), and improvements in anterior corneal coma aberrations and posterior corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were observed in the ED group (p < 0.05) over the 4 mm pupil zone. Over a 6 mm zone at 3 months, anterior, posterior and total trefoil aberrations as well as total HOAs were significantly decreased in the NB group (p < 0.05), while posterior HOAs and trefoil aberrations were found to be decreased in the ED group (p < 0.05). For individual Zernike terms, anterior and total corneal Z(3, -3) showed decreases over the 4 and 6 mm zones, while no improvement was detected in the NB group at 3 months. In terms of comfort and visual quality, nebulization therapy combined with meibomian gland massage to deliver azithromycin solution and esculin and digitalis glycoside eye drops appears to be more effective in treating clinical symptoms and signs of MGD than simply applying esculin and digitalis glycoside eye drops.

Correlation of Measures From the OCULUS Keratograph and Clinical Assessments of Dry Eye Disease in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare objective, noninvasive assessments of tear function using the OCULUS Keratograph with the corresponding clinical assessments [tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and bulbar erythema] among patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease. Participants in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study at centers having an OCULUS Keratograph were assessed using standardized procedures. Associations between the assessments from the Keratograph [noninvasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and bulbar redness (BR)] and clinical examination (TBUT, Schirmer test, and bulbar erythema) and between these test results and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores were summarized with Spearman correlation coefficients (r s ); 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) accounted for intereye correlation. Among 288 patients (576 eyes), the mean (standard deviation) age was 56.6 (13.8) years, 78.1% were female, and the mean baseline OSDI score was 44.3 (14.0). The mean was 2.9 (1.5) seconds for TBUT and 8.2 (5.7) seconds for NIKBUT (their correlation r s = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.09-0.28). The mean was 10.6 (7.6) mm for the Schirmer test and 0.3 (0.2) mm for TMH (r s = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.04-0.25). The median clinical grade redness was mild, and the mean BR score was 1.1 (0.5) (r s = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.15-0.35). Correlation between results of each of the 6 tests and OSDI scores was low (r s from -0.07 to 0.05). In the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study, NIKBUT, TMH, and BR were weakly correlated with their clinical counterparts. No measurements were correlated with the OSDI score.

Repeatability of Non-invasive Keratograph Break-Up Time measurements obtained using Oculus Keratograph 5M.

The aim of this study is to assess the intraexaminer repeatability of Non-invasive Keratograph Break-Up Time (NIKBUT) obtained using the Oculus Keratograph 5M (K5M), given its relevance as a homeostasis marker in Dry Eye Disease (DED). In total, 80 healthy volunteers aged between 30 and 89years participated. Measurements were classified according to age, sex and the presence or not of DED. Repeatability was evaluated by the calculation of within-subject standard deviation (Sw), coefficient of repeatability (CoR) and coefficient of variation (CoV). Moreover, the Passing-Bablok regression method was applied. Sw, CoR and CoV coefficients showed low repeatability in all groups with values between 3.57 and 7.14; 9.90 and 19.79; and 51.90 and 65.49, for each coefficient, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the NIKBUT measurements between healthy and DED patients (p = 0.188). Groups with more DED risk had better repeatability. Passing-Bablok regression also confirmed a lack of agreement between the maximum and minimum NIKBUT measurement. NIKBUT measurement has low intraexaminer repeatability even when considering sex, age and DED diagnosis. Nevertheless, not only is this low repeatability due to the device, but also it is largely due to the intrinsic variability of the tear film.

The Influence of Work Environment Factors on the OcularSurface in a One-Year Follow-Up Prospective Clinical Study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of environmental working conditions on the symptoms and signs of dry eye disease and to examine whether and how those conditions impact the ocular surface. Methods: This single-center, prospective clinical study with a 1-year follow-up included 150 patients. The following parameters were evaluated: non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and conjunctival and limbal hyperemia. We also performed staining of the surface of the eye for simulated fluorescein images, Schirmer’s test I, assessment of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Results: In the OW (office workers) group, in people working >4 h at the computer, the NIKBUT before work and the Schirmer test results were statistically significantly lower than in people working <4 h. The conjunctival hyperemia result before work was statistically significantly higher for people working >4 h at a computer in both groups and after work in the MW (medical workers) group. Low relative air humidity in the building and air-conditioned rooms negatively affects the tear film, causing the symptoms of dry eye disease. At the 1-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in conjunctival and limbal hyperemia in the OW group as well as a statistically significant reduction in TMH at the first examination before and after work, and in the second examination after 1 year in both groups. Conclusions: Environmental factors such as reduced relative air humidity, increased air temperature, and decreased illumination have a negative impact on the ocular surface.

How Do Different Digital Displays Affect the Ocular Surface?

Digital display use has been accepted as a contributing factor to dry eye disease. Nowadays, plenty of new models of digital displays have been developed, and the differences in their nature and the ways in which they are set and used may contribute to differences in the eye-related problems they cause. This study aimed to analyze the differences in ocular surface, tear film, and visual fatigue parameters after reading on different digital displays, with and without initial instillation of artificial tears. Thirty-one healthy individuals ranging in age from 20 to 26 years (mean ± standard deviation, 21.26 ± 1.73 years) were included in this prospective clinical study. Subjects' ocular surface, tear film, and visual fatigue parameters were assessed after reading for 15 minutes on a laptop computer, tablet, e-reader, and smartphone with matching characteristics and a baseline measurement. Measurements were taken with and without the instillation of artificial tears before the reading tasks and included the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, tear meniscus height, the Schirmer I test, noninvasive keratograph break-up time, osmolarity, bulbar redness, and pupil size. Statistically significant differences in the Ocular Surface Disease Index, Computer Vision the Syndrome Questionnaire, tear meniscus height, the Schirmer I test, noninvasive keratograph break-up time, osmolarity, and bulbar redness were obtained when comparing the displays (P < .05). Best results were obtained with the smartphone and the e-reader. Conversely, the computer produced the highest disturbance on the ocular surface and tear film. Finally, the instillation of artificial tears revealed no statistical improvement of ocular surface or tear film parameters for the same device (P > .05). Taking into account the clinical tests for dry eye diagnosis, the smartphone may be considered as the least disturbing display, producing lower dry eye signs and symptoms in comparison with other devices.

Comparison of the therapeutic effect of Meibomian Thermal Pulsation LipiFlow\xae on obstructive and hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction patients

PurposeTo explore the effect of Meibomian Thermal Pulsation LipiFlow® on obstructive and hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction.MethodsTwenty-five subjects diagnosed with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (OMGD) and another 25 hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction (HMGD) patients were collected receiving the unilateral treatment with LipiFlow®. We evaluated the parameters variables including Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test (SIT), noninvasive keratographic breakup time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blink rate (PBR), meibomian gland loss, meibomian gland morphology with LipiView®. Meibomian gland expressibility and secretion quality were evaluated for OMGD subjects. All the results were recorded pre-therapy and 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks post-therapy.ResultsSPEED, OSDI, and PB decreased, meanwhile, NIKBUT, TMH, SIT, and LLT increased compared with baseline in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001), whereas the magnitude of the improvement in the OMGD group was greater than that in the HMGD group (P < 0.001). There was no significant posttreatment structural meibomian gland change in both groups. The meibomian gland expressibility and secretion quality score increased after treatment in the OMGD group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Meibomian Thermal Pulsation LipiFlow® is effective for both obstructive and hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction and the therapeutic effect on obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction is greater than that on hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction.

Correlation Analysis between Ocular Surface Parameters with Subjective Symptom Severity in Dry Eye Disease.

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical symptoms of patients with dry eyes, based on the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and analyze the relationship between OSDI and various ocular surface parameters.MethodsThis was a retrospective study that included 45 eyes of 45 dry eye patients who visited the Seoul Nune Eye Hospital from August 2017 to December 2017. The patients were assessed by non-invasive keratography for the first break-up time, lipid layer thickness (LLT), tear osmolarity, tear matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoassay as well as with the conventional Schirmer I test and fluorescein break-up time. The patient's symptoms were evaluated by the OSDI questionnaires and correlations were analyzed based on the parameters described above.ResultsThere were significant negative correlations between OSDI and non-invasive keratography for the first break-up time (p = 0.038, r = −0.330), and LLT (p = 0.005, r = −0.426). However, there were no significant correlations between OSDI and fluorescein break-up time, Schirmer I score, and tear osmolarity (p = 0.173, 0.575, and 0.844 respectively). OSDI was not significantly different between matrix metalloproteinase-9 positive and negative groups (p = 0.768).ConclusionsNon-invasive examinations such as non-invasive keratograph break-up time and interferometry of LLT can be efficient tools for evaluating dry eye symptoms.

Short-Term Impact of FS-LASIK and SMILE on Dry Eye Metrics and Corneal Nerve Morphology.

To analyze the short-term (up to 1 month) clinical outcomes in patients undergoing corneal laser refractive surgery and the impact on dry eye disease (DED) metrics and corneal nerves using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). The unaided distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, and spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) were determined in 16 and 13 patients undergoing FS-LASIK and SMILE, respectively. DED metrics assessed were Ocular Surface Disease Index, Dry Eye Questionnaire 5-items (DEQ-5), tear film osmolarity, tear meniscus height, noninvasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT), ocular staining, and meibomian gland atrophy. An automated analysis of corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and corneal nerve fiber fractal dimension were obtained from the IVCM scans using ACCMetrics software (University of Manchester). Both surgical techniques provided good refractive and visual outcomes. DED symptoms were found to be higher after FS-LASIK compared with SMILE (P < 0.05). A decrease in tear meniscus height (∼31%) and NIKBUT (∼40%) was reported after FS-LASIK (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively) but not after SMILE. Both procedures affected corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, CNFL, and corneal nerve fiber fractal dimension, but the impact was significantly greater with FS-LASIK (P = 0.001). Only CNFL correlated with the reported symptoms (DEQ-5) after FS-LASIK (r = -0.545, P = 0.029). FS-LASIK and SMILE provided good refractive and visual outcomes. There was an increased impact on DED symptoms after FS-LASIK compared with SMILE, although there were no significant differences between the procedures for most of the other ocular surface metrics assessed. The IVCM findings showed that SMILE had less impact on corneal nerves compared with FS-LASIK.

Clinical Analysis: Aqueous-Deficient and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.

Objective: To examine the time course of aqueous-deficient and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in patients with primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS).Methods: This prospective study was conducted on pSS female patients in the Department of Rheumatism of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. The age-matched MGD female patients without pSS (non-SS-MGD) were recruited as MGD controls from the Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. After providing written informed consent, the patients underwent an eye examination and completed an Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire that assessed the symptoms of dry eye disease. The subjects were evaluated using Schirmer I test (SIt), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive keratographic break-up time (NIKBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and meibomian gland evaluation (meibomian gland infrared, lid margin score, expressible meibomian glands number and the secretions quality). The patients were divided into two groups: early stage (≤3 years) and late stage (>3 years) according to their medical history of dry eye. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0.Results: There were 49 pSS and 52 non-SS-MGD female patients enrolled in this study from 1 January 2018 to 30 December 2018. There were no differences in age (49.38 ± 10.32 and 48.69 ± 13.57 years) and dry eye medical history (48.44 ± 40.16 and 47.79 ± 37.85 months) between the two groups. When the medical history was ≤3 years, the average SIt and TMH of the pSS patients were significantly smaller than those of the patients with MGD. However, the signs related to the MGD did not show a significant difference between the two groups. When the medical history was >3 years, both the SIt and TMH and the signs related to MGD in pSS group were significantly more severe than the MGD group.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that 3 years may be an important time node for the dry eye development in pSS patients, before this, the lacrimal glands received a greater influence, and then the meibomian glands began to be greatly affected.

Effect of non‐invasive tear stability assessment on the upper and lower tear meniscus height

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effect of non‐invasive tear stability assessment with forced eye opening on the upper and lower tear meniscus.MethodsTen eyes with evaporative dry eye disease and 10 normal eyes were enrolled. All subjects underwent imaging with a Keratograph 5M equipped with a modified tear film scanning function. The upper and lower tear meniscus height (U‐TMH and L‐TMH) at the central point relative to the pupil center was measured with an integrated ruler before and after non‐invasive Keratograph break‐up time (NIKBUT) measurements in each subject. Subjects were instructed to keep their eyes open as long as possible during NIKBUT measurements, and the recording was discontinued at the next blink.ResultsThe U‐TMH values of the normal and dry eye groups were 0.21 ± 0.06 mm and 0.14 ± 0.09 mm; while the L‐TMH values were 0.27 ± 0.12 mm and 0.22 ± 0.07 mm, respectively, at baseline. The TMH values of dry eyes were significantly smaller than those of normal eyes (p &lt; 0.001). Significant increases in L‐TMH values were observed in both normal (0.19 ± 0.13 mm) and dry eyes (0.14 ± 0.11 mm) with the NIKBUT measurement (p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.027); while there were no significantly increases of U‐TMH in both group (normal, 0.08 ± 0.09 mm, p = 0.067; dry eyes, 0.06 ± 0.08 mm, p = 0.054). The changes of L‐TMH were more significantly than the U‐TMH in both groups (both P&lt;0.001).ConclusionsForced eye opening required for the non‐invasive tear stability assessment influences the TMHs measurement possibly due to reflex tear secretion. The L‐TMH values were more severely affected by than the U‐TMH.TMHs should be assessed before tests that require forced eye opening.