Non-invasive Tear Break-up Time Research Articles

Therapeutic Effect of Intense Pulsed Light in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome Related Dry Eye.

This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light (IPL) and meibomian gland expression (MGX) as polytherapy for Sjögren’s Syndrome-related dry eye (SS-DE). The study enrolled 55 participants with SS-DE, 27 for the treatment group and 28 for the control group. The treatment group underwent three IPL-MGX treatments, three weeks apart. A randomly-selected eye from each patient was assessed at baseline and on weeks 9, 12, and 15 for Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, conjunctival congestion, tear meniscus height, non-invasive tear breakup time (NBUT), Schirmer’s I test (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibomian gland (MG) dropout, eyelid margin abnormality, MGX and meibum quality. OSDI, NBUT, CFS, MGX, and meibum quality were significantly improved in both groups, particularly in the treatment group. The eyelid margin abnormality improved significantly in the treatment but not in the control group on weeks 12 and 15. Snellen BCVA, conjunctival congestion, and SIT improved significantly in the treatment group, but the two groups were statistically similar. Our results indicated that three IPL-MGX sessions could significantly improve the subjective and objective characteristics of SS-DE, representing a promising treatment strategy.

Comparison Between Heated Eye Mask and Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for Contact Lens-Related Dry Eye.

Background: Contact lens-related dry eye (CLDE) is common in contact lens (CL) wearers and can lead to ocular pain, decreased visual quality, and reduced quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, examiner masked study was to compare the effectiveness of intense pulsed light (IPL) and heated eye mask (HEM) for relieving CLDE. Methods: The final analysis included 60 patients (30 in the IPL group and 30 in the HEM group) who were using CL and had been suffering contact lens discomfort for more than a year. The IPL treatment group had two IPL treatments spaced 3 weeks apart, whereas the HEM group received HEM daily for 6 weeks (42 days). Non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear-film lipid layer (TFLL), conjunctival fluorescein staining, meibum gland quality and expression, conjunctival redness score, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell count, and intraocular pressure were assessed at baseline: first visit (V1), second visit (V2), and third visit (V3). Results: The mean age of the IPL group was 28.6 ± 4.3 years (16 females, 53%) and that of the HEM group was 28.6 ± 4.2 years (16 females, 53%). Mean NITBUT for the IPL group at V2 was 5.53 ± 0.77 sec (p < 0.001) and at V3 was 7.72 ± 0.88 sec (p < 0.001); the IPL group demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant improvement in mean NITBUT. In addition, the HEM group showed a clinically and statistically significant improvement in mean NITBUT at V3 (5.86 ± 0.76 sec, p < 0.001). At V3, the C-OSDI, TFLL score, and meibum gland quality and expressibility all increased considerably (p < 0.05) in both groups. Conclusions: Our results imply that IPL or HEM treatment of CLDE can be safely used to relieve symptoms of CLDE. In addition, IPL treatment is more effective in improving the general stability of the tear-film and decreasing the need for artificial tears in CLDE.

Comparative study of tear film evaluation among healthy pregnant women and gestational diabetes: a cross-sectional study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the risk factors for dry eye. This study aimed to estimate the characteristics of tear film by measuring the tear secretion, tear evaporation rate, conjunctival impression cytology and also ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scoring through a questionnaire for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy pregnant women (HPW).Methods: Total of 40 subjects which included 20 subjects who were HPW in group-1 and 20 subjects who were GDM in group-2. After examining their ocular status, the subjects were initially administered with OSDI questionnaire followed by dry eye evaluation procedures such as non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), Schirmer’s 1 and 2, tear film break up time (TBUT) and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC).Results: The gathered data was checked for normality. Mean and standard deviation was compiled for each parameter for their respective groups. A statistical comparison with independent t test was performed between the groups which compared OSDI scores, NIBUT, Schirmer’s 1 and 2, TBUT and CIC for both HPW and GDM group women. Statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.01) was observed with OSDI scores, Schirmer's test 2, TBUT and NIBUT whereas Schirmer's test 1 and CIC were not statistically significant (p&gt;0.01). OSDI scores represented mild symptoms for GDM women.Conclusions: Tear film of GDM women was affected more than HPW suggesting evaporative dry eye. Assessing tear film as a part of routine eye examination for women with GDM is essential to avoid the occurrence of complications due to tear film abnormalities.

Assessment of Tear Film Parameters in Smokers and Subjects with a High Body Mass Index.

The current study compares the ocular tear film parameters in three different groups using a single noninvasive, practical, and easy-to-use tool. This study aimed to assess the tear film in smokers, those with a high body mass index (BMI), and healthy subjects using the EASYTEAR view+. Thirty men with a high BMI (>25 kg/m2; 24.4 ± 6.4 years), 30 smokers (25.1 ± 6.1 years), and 30 healthy subjects (22.2 ± 3.5 years) were recruited. Each subject completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index, followed by the assessment of noninvasive tear breakup time, tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer patterns (LLPs). Significant differences were found in the median TMH scores between smokers and healthy subjects (P = .03) and between subjects with a high BMI and the healthy ones (P = .04). The median LLP score was significantly (P < .001) higher in normal subjects (4.0 [1.0]) than in smokers (2.4 [1.0]) and subjects with high BMI (2.0 [1.3]). For subjects with a high BMI, the noninvasive tear breakup time score was strongly correlated (Spearman rank correlation coefficient; r) with TMH (r = 0.552, P = .002) and LLP (r = 0.555, P = .001). The LLP showed that grade B (lipid layer thickness, 30 to 50 nm; more compact) was common in subjects with a high BMI, grade C (50 to 80 nm, gray waves) was predominant in smokers, and grade D (~80 nm, dense white-blue layer) represented the majority of normal eye subjects. Smokers and individuals with a high BMI showed significantly lower lipid layer grades and tear meniscus height scores compared with the control group. The assessment of tear film parameters using the EASYTEAR view+ supports the findings of previous studies that implicate smoking and high BMI as risk factors for dry eye.

Effects of meibomian gland dysfunction and aqueous deficiency on friction-related disease

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and aqueous deficiency (AD) on friction-related disease (FRD). MethodsCross-sectional comparative study. This study included 550 eyes (550 patients) with dry eye disease (DED). The DED subtype and dynamic tear-film parameters by automated assessments were investigated for the analysis of FRD (superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctivochalasis, and lid wiper epitheliopathy). ResultsPatients with FRD had a higher proportion of moderate-to-severe MGD and AD (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The dropout rate of the meibomian gland was higher (30.5 ± 31.8 and 14.1 ± 25.0%, p < 0.001), tear meniscus height (TMH) was lower (227.8 ± 60.4 and 241.7 ± 55.6 μm, p = 0.008), and he first non-invasive keratographic tear break-up time (NIKBUT-1) was shorter (5.9 ± 3.5 and 7.3 ± 3.7 s, p < 0.001) in patients with FRD than in those without FRD. In the logistic regression analysis with clinical manifestation, both moderate-to-severe MGD and AD were associated with FRD (odds ratios [OR] 12.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.72–19.50, and 2.31, 95% CI 1.43–3.71], p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The dropout rate was positively associated with FRD (OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.010–1.023, p < 0.001). TMH and NIKBUT-1 were negatively associated with FRD (OR 0.995, 95% CI 0.991–0.999, and 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.95, p = 0.039 and p < 0.001, respectively). ConclusionsThis study showed that FRD was highly associated with MGD and meibomian gland dropout rate, suggesting that FRD may be mainly affected by lipid components. AD and TMH also had a good but relatively lower association with FRD, compared to MGD and meibomian gland dropout rate.

Questionnaire Analysis on Incidence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye in Children From a Myopia Outpatient Clinic.

ObjectiveTo analyze the incidence and risk factors of dry eye in children from a myopia outpatient clinic via a questionnaire and Keratograph 5M.MethodsA cross–sectional study was performed. sThere were 214 children (428 eyes) selected from the myopia outpatient clinic of the affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from July 2021 to September 2021, including 105 boys (210 eyes) and 109 girls (218 eyes), with an average age of 10.1 ± 2.5 years. The incidence rate and influence factors for dry eye were calculated.ResultsThirty–four of 214 children were diagnosed with dry eye, accounting for 15.9% of the patients. The correlation between fussy eating and the tear meniscus height was statistically significant (Z = −2.158, p = 0.039), along with the correlation between short–distance use of eyes and the tear meniscus height (Z = −2.135, p = 0.033). The degree of meibomian gland deficiency was graded. The meibomian gland was graded as grade 1 in 242 eyes (68.9%), grade 2 in 104 eyes (29.6%), and grade 3 in 5 eyes (1.4%). There was a significant difference in the correlation between eye rubbing and the incidence of dry eye in children (Z = −2.747, p = 0.008). There was also a significant difference in the correlation between picky eating and the incidence of dry eye in children (Z = −2.347; p = 0.024). There was a statistically significant correlation between the time of looking at electronic products and the morphology of the meibomian gland (Z = −2.201, p = 0.028). The results showed that the effect of mild and moderate ametropia on the non–invasive tear breakup time in children was statistically significant (Z = −2.027; p = 0.043).ConclusionThere is a high incidence of dry eye in children in the myopia outpatient clinic. There is a significant correlation between picky eating, eye rubbing, and the incidence of dry eye. Looking at electronic products for a long time will also affect the morphology of the meibomian gland in children.

Morphological characteristics of Meibomian Glands and their Influence on Dry Eye disease in contact lens wearers

PurposeMeibomian glands (MG) are now easily imaged via clinical meibography machines. The purpose of this work was to explore the utility of the known MG morphology metrics for predicting dry eye disease (DED) in contact lens (CL) wearers. MethodsSuccessful and previous CL wearers were recruited. DED was diagnosed if the participant's worst eye had a reduced tear meniscus height (TMH) of <0.2 mm or non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) of <10 s and a Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score >5.0. Meibography was performed and images were subjectively graded by two examiners for the following MG characteristics: distorted, tortuous, hooked, abnormal gap, overlapping, fluffy areas, tadpoling, thinned, thickened, ghost, no extension to lid margin, shortened and dropout (atrophy). DED diagnostic ability of each metric was determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. ResultsA total of 112 participants were recruited, with 18.8% having DED and 60.7% being female. The only MG morphology metrics that were marginally predictive of DED were thickened upper eyelid MGs (p = 0.046), thickened mean upper plus lower eyelid MGs (p = 0.007), and atrophy of upper eyelid MGs (p = 0.043); however, none of these metrics reached a meaningful area under the curve in ROC analysis (all <0.70). ConclusionWhile abnormal MG morphology is likely suggestive of DED in CL wearers, none of the MG morphology metrics evaluated alone in this study had clinically meaningful predictive value for detecting DED in this group of current and previous CL wearers.

Upper Eyelid Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is a Risk Factor for Dry Eye Symptoms Following Cataract Surgery in the Early Phase.

PurposeTo evaluate perioperative dry eye (DE) syndrome and meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction parameters associated with cataract surgery-induced DE symptoms.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective, single-centered, observational study included 82 eyes of 43 patients without previous subjective DE symptoms, treatment, ocular comorbidities, and previous use of ophthalmic treatment, except for anti-allergic eye drops, who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery. MG dropout, lid margin abnormality, meibum quality, meibum expressibility, MG orifice obstruction, ocular surface disease index, non-invasive tear break-up time, tear meniscus height, and Schirmer test score were measured at baseline and 1 month postoperatively. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equation models was used to determine the risk factors for cataract surgery-induced DE symptoms.ResultsTwenty-one patients had subjective DE symptoms 1 month following the cataract surgery. Preoperative and postoperative parameters, preoperative upper eyelid MG loss, and female sex (odds ratio [OR] 6.72, P = 0.012; OR 4.20, P = 0.037, respectively) were identified as risk factors for cataract surgery-induced DE symptoms.ConclusionOcular parameters, including upper eyelid MG findings at baseline, were considered important in predicting persistent DE symptoms following cataract surgery.

Alterations of Ocular Surface and Tear Film in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome.

PurposeObstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA) results in repeated oxygen desaturation, repeated arousals, and episodic nocturnal activation of sympathetic nervous system during sleep. Untreated OSA is strongly associated with an increase of cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders, as well as the damages of ophthalmological microstructures. However, previous literature only simply studied the association between the ophthalmic disorders and OSA. In the present study, we first investigated the alterations of ocular surface and tear film non-invasively with the innovated corneal topographer in untreated OSA patients and normal control subjects. Furthermore, we analyzed in depth whether the correlations between OSA severity and ocular surface exams exist.Participants and MethodsParticipants underwent a full-night polysomnography to determine OSA occurrence and severity. All participants subsequently received Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire and comprehensive ocular exams, including floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) assessment, oculus scan for tear meniscus height, non-invasive keratograph tear film breakup time (NIKBUT), and ocular surface redness, endothelial cell density, and corneal fluorescein staining.ResultsOne hundred eighty-one participants were prospectively enrolled in the study. FES was found in 11.5% of the normal control group and 60.0% of the severe OSA group (p=0.0005). There were significant differences in the first-NIKBUT (F-NIKBUT) (p < 0.0001), average-NIKBUT (A-NIKBUT) (p = 0.0007), and redness scores over the nasal bulbar (p = 0.032), temporal bulbar (p < 0.0001), nasal limbal (p = 0.014), and temporal limbal (p < 0.0001) areas among the four groups. F-NIKBUT and A-NIKBUT were significantly shorter in the moderate/severe OSA group (apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15) than in the normal/mild OSA group (AHI <15) (both p < 0.0001). The redness scores over the temporal bulbar (p < 0.0001) and temporal limbal (p < 0.0001) areas were also significantly different in these two OSA groups. Moreover, F-NIKBUT and A-NIKBUT negatively correlated with AHI. Nasal bulbar redness, temporal bulbar redness, nasal limbal redness, and temporal limbal redness positively correlated with AHI.ConclusionOSA patients had higher occurrence of FES. The NIKBUT was significantly shorter, and the temporal conjunctival redness scores over bulbar and limbal areas were higher in the moderate/severe OSA group than in the normal/mild OSA group. NIKBUT and conjunctival hyperemia significantly correlated with the severity of untreated OSA.

Impact of Taping The Upper Mask Edge On Ocular Surface Stability and Dry Eye Symptoms

To evaluate the impact of taping the upper mask edge on ocular surface stability, dry eye symptomology, and tear osmolarity in N95 mask users. Prospective interventional before-and-after study. Fifty eyes of 50 health care workers regularly using N95 masks were included. Preintervention, ocular surface parameters, subjective dry eye score, and visual acuity were assessed at the end of an 8-hour shift when the subjects used an N95 face mask without taping the upper edge. Next day, the upper edge of the N95 mask was taped to the nasal bridge in all subjects at the beginning of the 8-hour shift, and postintervention assessment was performed after the shift. The primary outcome measure was change in noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT). Secondary outcome measures were change in the symptom score, tear lipid layer thickness (LLT), tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height (TMH), osmolarity, and visual acuity. Mean age of the cohort was 26.7 ± 3.67 years. Post-taping, significantly better ocular surface stability was observed in terms of NIBUT (P < .001), TBUT (P < .001), LLT (P < .001), TMH (P=.01), corneal staining score (P=.001), and tear osmolarity (P=.04). There was no significant change in visual acuity, Schirmer I, and Ocular Surface Disease Index score (P > .05). Symptom improvement was reported by 68% patients (SANDE version 2), which correlated well with change in NIBUT (r=0.38; P=.005), TMH (r=0.37; P=.007), LLT (r=0.35; P=.01), and TBUT (r=0.28; P=.04). Taping of the upper mask edge resulted in significantly better ocular surface stability, which correlated well with decrease in dry eye symptoms.

Benefits and Safety of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Dry Eye Disease.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin in the treatment of mild-to-moderate dry eye disease (DED) in middle-aged and elderly patients.Methods: 120 eyes of 60 middle-aged and elderly patients with mild-to-moderate DED were enrolled in this prospective, one-group, quasi-experimental study. Six milligram Astaxanthin tablets (Weihong Haematococcus Pluvialis Astaxanthin, Hangzhou Xinwei Low Carbon Technology R&D Co., Ltd., China) were administered orally, twice daily for 30 ± 2 days. History of eye diseases, treatment, systemic disease, and medication before the test were recorded. In addition, the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, eyelid margin signs, meibomian gland (MG) expressibility, meibum quality, meibomian gland dropout (MGDR), Schirmer I test (SIt), tear meniscus height (TMH), bulbar conjunctiva congestion degree, blink frequency, incomplete blink rate, and thickness of tear film lipid layer were collected before treatment, 2 weeks after the initiation of treatment, and at the end of treatment. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior segment, fundus, discomfort symptoms and other adverse reactions were also monitored throughout the study to assess the safety.Results: OSDI score, NIBUT, BUT, CFS score, eyelid margin signs, MG expressibility, meibum quality, and blink frequency improved significantly to varying degrees after treatment compared with those before the treatment (P < 0.05), while TMH, SIt, conjunctival congestion, the thickness of tear film lipid layer, MGDR, incomplete blink rate, VA and IOP did not differ (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Oral administration of astaxanthin improves the symptoms and signs of middle-aged and elderly patients with mild-to-moderate DED.

Correlation Study Between Abnormal Morphology of Meibomian Glands and Meibum in Patients With Dry Eye Disease Under in vivo Confocal Microscopy.

Objective: To observe differences in meibomian gland morphology among patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) with liquid meibum, with solid meibum, and a non-MGD group by laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and then analyze the correlation between meibomian gland abnormalities and dry eye disease.Methods: Twenty-one patients with MGD (42 eyes) with liquid meibum, 21 patients with MGD (38 eyes) with solid meibum, and 24 non-MGD patients (39 eyes) were enrolled in the study. IVCM examination and Schirmer II test were performed, and non-invasive tear-film breakup time (NIBUT) was measured.Results: Data obtained from all the patients were normally distributed; therefore, one-way analysis of variance was performed. The meibomian gland opening diameter and gland opening area of the patients with MGD were greater than those of the non-MGD patients, and values of the liquid meibum group were greater than those of the solid meibum group (F = 17.96, p < 0.001; F = 8.84, p < 0.001, respectively). Due to changes in meibomian gland opening diameter and dilation of meibomian gland acini, the acinar longest diameter and unit area of the patients with MGD were also greater than those of the non-MGD patients, and the values of the solid meibum group were greater than those of the liquid meibum group (F = 36.52, p < 0.001; F = 27.81, p < 0.001, respectively). In the aspect of acinar shortest diameter, there was no difference among the three groups (F = 0.24, P > 0.05). Highest inflammatory cell density was observed in the solid meibum group, followed by the liquid meibum group, and the non-MGD group (F = 111.54, p < 0.001). Similarly, the results of the Schirmer II test and NIBUT showed that the condition of the patients with MGD in the solid meibum group was worst, followed by that of the liquid meibum group and the non-MGD group (F = 99.57, p < 0.001; F = 11.87, p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: The different meibum in the patients with MGD is accompanied by different meibomian gland morphologies. Compared with the patients with liquid meibum, those with solid meibum have more obvious dilatation of meibomian glands under confocal microscopy and in these patients, the density of inflammatory cells among glands is higher, and the quality of tears is worse.

Effects of aerobic exercise on tear secretion and tear film stability in dry eye patients

BackgroundTo study the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on tear secretion and tear film stability in dry eye patients.MethodsThis study consisted of two parts, each part included 3 groups, namely dry eye without AE group, dry eye with AE group and pre-clinical dry eye with AE group. In part 1, we studied the variations of Schirmer I test and six tear compositions before and after AE (34 eyes in each group). In part 2, we studied the variations of tear meniscus height, first and average non-invasive tear breakup time (F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT), lipid layer thickness, number of incomplete and complete blinks, partial blink rate (PBR) and visual acuity before and after AE (30 eyes in each group).ResultsIn dry eye with AE group, Schirmer I test at 0 min after AE increased significantly compared to baseline (P < 0.001), the oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine after AE decreased significantly compared to baseline (P = 0.035, P = 0.045), F-NITBUT and A-NITBUT after AE prolonged significantly compared to baseline (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P = 0.036; P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.044), number of incomplete blinks and PBR at 10 min after AE decreased significantly compared to baseline (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) while number of complete blinks increased significantly (P < 0.001). Besides, significant differences were also found between dry eye with AE group and dry eye without AE group at all above corresponding time point (P < 0.05).ConclusionAE promotes tear secretion and improves tear film stability in dry eye patients. AE may be a potential treatment for dry eye.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038673. Registered 27 September 2020,

Reference values for selected dry eye tests in normal Beagle dogs: a pilot study.

BackgroundDry eye disease (DED) cannot be diagnosed by a single test because it is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface. Although studies on various dry eye tests (DETs) in dogs have been reported, standard criteria have not been established except for the Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1).ObjectivesTo establish reference values for DETs in dogs with normal STT-1 values (≥ 15 mm/min) and to analyze the correlation between DETs.MethodsThe STT-1 was performed in 10 healthy Beagle dogs (20 eyes). After 20 min, interferometry (IF) for estimating the lipid layer thickness (LLT) of the tear film, tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), and meibomian gland loss rate of the upper eyelid (MGLRU) and lower eyelid (MGLRL), were measured using an ocular surface analyzer.ResultsMean values for STT-1, TMH, and NIBUT were as follows: 21.7 ± 3.4 mm/min, 0.41 ± 0.21 mm, and 19.1 ± 9.5 sec, respectively. The most frequent LLT range, measured by IF, was 30–80 nm (11 eyes), followed by 80 nm (5 eyes) and 80–140 nm (4 eyes). MGLRU ≤ 25% was measured in 11 eyes and 26%–50% in 9 eyes; MGLRL ≤ 25% in 8 eyes and 26%–50% in 12 eyes. Besides positive correlation between TMH and NIBUT (P = 0.038), there were no significant associations between DETs.ConclusionsData obtained in this study provided normative references that could be useful for diagnosing DED and for further research into correlation between DETs in dogs with DED.

Instability of tear film and loss of meibomian glands in patients with acne vulgaris.

In this prospective study, we compared ocular clinical variables in patients with acne vulgaris with those of healthy controls. These variables included tear film break-up time, meibomian gland dropout rate, and anterior chamber parameters. Our sample comprised 73 eyes from 73 patients with acne vulgaris and 67 eyes from 67 healthy controls. All participants underwent a non-invasive first tear film break-up time test and the average tear film break-up time was evaluated. Meibography was used to identify any meibomian gland dropout. The parameters of the cornea and anterior chamber were measured using Scheimpflug topography imaging. Finally, the ocular surface disease index questionnaire was administered to score each participant on their subjective experience of ocular complaints. The noninvasive first tear film break-up time values of the acne vulgaris Group and the control Group were 4.7 ± 2.8 and 6.4 ± 3.5 sec, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups (p=0.016). The number of eyes with tear break-up at any time during the measurement period was also significantly higher in the acne Group (p=0.018). In the acne vulgaris Group, the mean meibomian gland dropout rates were 33.21 ± 15.5% in the upper lids and 45.4 ± 14.5% in the lower lids. In the control group, these rates were 15.7 ± 6.9% and 21 ± 9.7% respectively. Dropout was significantly higher in the acne group for both the upper and lower lids (p=0.000). We found impaired tear stability in patients with acne vulgaris and a high rate of meibomian gland dropout. These glands play a key role in tear stability and their dropout is likely to result in evaporative dry eye. Measurement of the variables in this study allows objective diagnosis of this condition using a non-invasive, dye-free methodology, with minimum contact.

Effect of eyeliner and mascara use on tear film and meibomian glands.

PURPOSE:This study was conducted to see whether eyeliner, mascara, or combined eyeliner and mascara (EM) use affects tear production, tear film stability, and meibomian gland (MG) loss.METHODS:Two hundred and twenty healthy women underwent noninvasive tear break-up time (NTBUT) measurement, meibography, and Schirmer testing. Study groups were no makeup (NM) group, eyeliner-only group, mascara-only group, and those who used both EM. The one-way analysis of variance test was used for group comparisons. Chi-square test was used for meiboscale comparison.RESULTS:NTBUT (seconds) results were 11.5 ± 4.8 (no makeup), 21.3 ± 69 (eyeliner only), 21.8 ± 6.5 (mascara only), and 22.5 ± 7.0 (eyeliner–mascara). The differences between groups were significant (P < 0.0001). All makeup groups (eyeliner only, mascara only, eyeliner–mascara) had significantly diminished values compared with NM group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Schirmer test (millimeters) results were 22.7 ± 6.4 (NM group), 21.3 ± 6.9 (eyeliner only), 21.8 ± 6.5 (mascara only), and 22.5 ± 7.0 (eyeliner–mascara) with no significant differences between groups (P = 0.66). Meiboscale grading revealed that NM group had significantly lower values of MG loss compared with eyeliner-only (EO) (P = 0.01), mascara-only (MO) (P = 0.002), and eyeliner-mascara groups (P = 0.007). There were no significant differences between EO and MO (P = 0.31), EO and eyeliner–mascara (P = 0.39), or MO and eyeliner-mascara groups (P = 0.91).CONCLUSION:None of the makeup groups had changes in Schirmer wetting. All eye cosmetic groups have significant changes of NTBUT and meibography compared with NM subjects, and yet combined use of EM does not affect ocular surface more adversely than their separate use.

Influence of pars plana vitrectomy on ocular surface using noninvasive Keratograph 5M

AIM: To evaluate the influence of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on ocular surface using Keratograph 5M. METHODS: Totally 30 consecutive patients (30 eyes) undergoing primary 23-gauge PPV were recruited in the study. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was performed. Ocular surface parameters, including tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear break up time (NITBUT) and bulbar redness score were obtained preoperatively, in 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12wk postoperatively by Keratograph 5M. Correlations between all the clinical parameters were analyzed further. RESULTS: The percentages of both photophobia and gritty within 4wk after PPV were significantly higher than pre-operation, while they decreased to the preoperative levels in both 8wk and 12wk postoperatively. The percentage of sore eyes in the first week postoperatively was significantly higher than pre-operation, but there were no significant differences between the percentages of pre-operation and 2, 4, 8, and 12wk postoperatively. OSDI score increased significantly within 4wk postoperatively, but it returned to the preoperative level in 8 and 12wk. TMH increased with 2wk postoperatively, but there were no significant differences compared with preoperation. Both NITBUT-first and NITBUT-average shortened significantly within 8 weeks postoperatively, but they gradually improved to the preoperative levels in 12wk. Bulbar redness score was significantly higher than the preoperative level within 4wk postoperatively, but it returned to the preoperative level in 8wk. NITBUT-first and NITBUT-average had a significant positive correlation at each visit. TMH had a significant positive correlation with NITBUT-average in the first week postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Keratograph 5M can provide a reliable noninvasive method to assess the influence of PPV on the ocular surface. PPV may cause various changes in both symptoms and signs of ocular surface damages at the early stage, while all these changes will return to preoperative levels gradually in 12wk postoperatively.

Evaluation of corneal, ocular surface, and meibomian gland changes in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

To evaluate the ocular surface, eyelid changes, meibomian gland morphology, corneal endothelial morphology, and corneal topographic measurements in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). There were 47 patients diagnosed with OSAS and 47 healthy volunteers included in the study. Non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), corneal topography, meibography, and specular microscopy were performed. The mean ages of the study and control groups were 45.77±9.65 years and 44.26±8.54 years, respectively (P=0.229). The presence of floppy eye lid (17% vs. 0%; P=0.006) and lid margin abnormality score (1.09±0.8 vs. 0.21±0.51; P<0.001) were significantly different between the study and the control groups. There were insignificant differences between the groups in NITBUT and corneal topographic measurements, except for the ACT (556.96±42.4μm vs. 569±103μm, P=0.037). The mean endothelial cell density (CD) in the OSAS and control groups were 2609±259.96 and 2756±179 cells/mm2, respectively (P=0.002). Meibomian gland loss in the lower and upper eyelids was significantly higher in the OSAS group (P<0.001 for both). OSAS patients develop eyelid margin abnormalities, loss of meibomian glands, and morphological changes in the meibomian glands. A significant reduction in corneal endothelial CD indicates that systemic hypoxia in OSAS has an effect on the cornea.

Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome Associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with Sjögren’s syndrome.Methods: This study included 43 patients with MGD and Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients received either IPL with meibomian gland expression (IPL/MGX) (n = 22) or MGX only (n = 21). Treatments were administered three times at a 3-week interval. Patients were followed up 6 weeks after the end of the treatment. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time with fluorescein dye (FBUT), non-invasive tear breakup time, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer test, SICCA ocular surface staining score, meibum quality score (MQS), and meibum expression score (MES) were evaluated at each visit. Meibomian gland dropouts (meiboscore) and tear film lipid layer grade were measured using keratography.Results: OSDI, FBUT, corneal surface staining score, MQS, meiboscore, and tear film lipid layer grade improved after IPL/MGX treatment (p &lt; 0.05). In both treatment groups, MES significantly improved (p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.05 for IPL/MGX and MGX groups, respectively). The Schirmer test score, conjunctival surface staining score, and TMH after treatment were not significantly different between the groups. After treatment, the IPL/MGX group had significantly lower OSDI, FBUT, corneal staining score, MQS, and MES, but higher FBUT, compared with the MGX group (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: IPL treatment effectively improved tear film, ocular surface parameters, meibomian gland function, and lipid layer grade in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and MGD.

Changes of Dry Eye Related Markers and Tear Inflammatory Cytokines After Upper Blepharoplasty.

Objectives: To investigate the changes of dry eye-related clinical manifestations, ocular surface parameters, and tear inflammatory cytokines after upper blepharoplasty.Methods: Forty eyes of 20 who underwent upper blepharoplasty were divided into either the group with or the group without preexisting dry eye before upper blepharoplasty. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height, lipid layer thickness, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIKBUT), fluorescein tear film break-up time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, meibum expression, lid margin changes, and tear inflammatory cytokines were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Correlations between inflammatory cytokines and dry eye-related parameters were determined.Results: The OSDI scores increased significantly at 1 month (p = 0.040) and subsequently decreased to the preoperative levels at 6 months postoperatively in subjects with dry eye. First (f)-NIKBUT and FBUT were significantly shortened at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively in subjects with dry eye (f-NIKBUT: p <0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.042; FBUT: p = 0.002, p = 0.005, p = 0.037, respectively), but were only shortened at 1 month (p = 0.028, p = 0.005) and returned to baseline levels at 6 months postoperatively in subjects without preexisting dry eye. A significant increasing trend of interleukin (IL)-6 was found in both dry eye and subjects without preexisting dry eye (p = 0.016, p = 0.008), while IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were only found to be increased in subjects with dry eye postoperatively (p = 0.031, p = 0.031). The levels of IL-8 and TNF-α were positively correlated with OSDI scores (p = 0.046, p = 0.043, respectively) and negatively correlated with f-NIKBUT and FBUT (p = 0.026, p = 0.006, respectively).Conclusions: Upper blepharoplasty might increase the release of tear inflammatory cytokines and tear film instability that contribute to the development of postoperative dry eye in the early postoperative period and the changes most relieved in 6 months. Preexisting dry eye is a higher risk factor for worse and persistent ocular surface damage after upper blepharoplasty.