Non-invasive Tear Break-up Time Research Articles

Effect of Smoking on Tear Stability and Corneal Surface.

Purpose:To determine the effect of smoking on tear stability and ocular surface of the cornea among students aged between 19 and 25 years. This study also aimed to find a correlation between tear film stability with a score of McMonnies Dry Eye Questionnaire (MDEQ) and Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI).Methods:This is a prospective, non-interventional, comparative study of 59 male (27 smokers and 32 non-smokers) undergraduates of a public university. Tear film stability was evaluated using non-invasive tear break-up time and fluorescein tear break-up time. Corneal staining was determined using Efron grading scale. MDEQ and OSDI Questionnaires were used to assess dry eye symptoms. Data were obtained from the right eye only and analyzed using descriptive and correlation analysis.Results:The age range of the participants was between 19 and 25 years. The mean age for smokers and non-smokers was 22.19 ± 2.20 and 21.22 ± 1.83 years, respectively (P = 0.07). The smoker group had statistically significant lower tear film stability than the non-smoker group (P < 0.0001). Corneal staining was statistically significant higher at the nasal and temporal parts of the cornea in smokers (P < 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between tear film stability and scores of MDEQ and OSDI.Conclusions:Tobacco smoke has a significant effect on the tear film stability, seen in reduced tear stability values among smokers. Corneal staining was found to be more extensive in the smokers. These findings would be useful to eye-care providers in the management of their dry eye patients related to smoking.

Conjunctival microvascular responses to anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with dry eye

PurposeThis study characterized conjunctival microvascular morphological and haemodynamic responses after anti-inflammatory treatment in dry eye (DE). Materials and methodsTwenty-five patients with moderate DE (17 females and 8 males aged 48 ± 16 years) who underwent anti-inflammatory therapy (0.1% fluorometholone) and 25 healthy subjects (20 females and 5 males aged 48 ± 17 years) recruited as controls were enrolled. The conjunctival blood flow rate (BFR), blood flow velocity (BFV) and vessel diameter were measured by functional slit-lamp biomicroscopy (FSLB). DE symptoms and signs were assessed. All measurements were performed at baseline and at 30 and 60 days after commencement of treatment. ResultsAt baseline, the conjunctival BFR, BFV, and vessel diameter were higher in the DE group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The BFR, BFV and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) scores decreased at 60 days after therapy compared to at baseline and 30 days (all pcorrected < 0.05); Ocular surface diseases index (OSDI), the hyperaemia index (HI) and vessel diameters only showed significant decreases at 30 days. Moreover, significant increases in the noninvasive tear film break-up time (NI-BUT) and Schirmer I test score (ST) were observed. The CFS score correlated positively with BFV (r = 0.46), BFR (r = 0.58) and vessel diameter (r = 0.47). ConclusionThis study characterized conjunctival microvascular responses to anti-inflammatory treatment in DE patients. The results suggest that conjunctival BFV and BFR can be used as dynamic markers for treatment efficacy in DE.

Dry Eye in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Novel Methods to Monitor Disease Activity.

Background: In systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, dry eye syndrome (DES) is the most frequent ocular feature. The aim of this study was to investigate ocular DES-related SSc patients and to establish any correlation with the severity of the disease. Methods: Retrospectively, data from 60 patients with SSc underwent ophthalmic examination, where non-invasive film tear break-up time (NIF-TBUT), tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), anesthetic-free Schirmer test I, tear osmolarity measurement (TearLab System), and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) data were collected. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) methods were utilized. The results were correlated with mRSS and the duration of SSc. Results: Severe DES occurred in 84% of cases, and was more severe in women. The eyelids were involved in 86.6%, secondary to meibomian gland disease (MGD). A direct correlation was found between the tear osmolarity (mean 328.51 ± 23.8 SD) and skin score (mRSS) (r = 0.79; p < 0.01). Significantly reduced NIF-TBUT, LLT, and Schirmer test I values were observed in the case of severe skin involvement. Conclusions: SSc patients show lipid tear dysfunction related to the severity and duration of the disease due to inflammation and the subsequent atrophy of the meibomian glands.

The effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on meibomian gland morphology and dry eye tests

Purpose The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of oral isotretinoin on meibomian gland (MG) morphology detected with non-contact meibography and to investigate its relation with clinical dry eye tests. Methods Forty-five acne patients treated with isotretinoin underwent a full ophthalmological examination at baseline and in the fourth month as follows: ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, assessments of tear film break-up time (TFBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, Schirmer test, meibum expression, and lid margin abnormalities. Non-contact meibography imaging and noninvasive tear break up time (NI-BUT) assessments were also performed. The changes in MGs were scored (meibography score) as grade 0, no change; grade 1, mild; grade 2, moderate; and grade 3, marked. Results There was a statistically significant change in OSDI, corneal fluorescein staining, lid margin abnormality, and meibum expression score during the treatment compared to baseline values (p < .001, p = .02, p < .001, and p < .001, respectively). All meibography scores showed a positive correlation with the lid margin abnormality and meibum expression score but did not correlate with the TFBUT, NI-BUT, Schirmer test, or the corneal fluorescein staining score. Conclusion The morphologic analysis using non-contact meibography is a useful method for assessing isotretinoin-related changes in MGs.

Intense pulsed light for the treatment of Meibomian gland dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is frequently encountered by eye care practitioners. It is characterised by obstruction of the Meibomian glands and/or alterations in the consistency of glandular secretions. At present, no definitive treatment exists for this condition. The present meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy in the management of MGD. Databases including EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Central, MEDLINE and Google Scholar were systematically searched to identify clinical trials that assessed the efficacy of IPL in the treatment of MGD. Outcome measures were described as the standardized mean difference (SMD). The fixed- or random-effects model was selected for analysis based on the Cochrane I2 values representing heterogeneity. Publication bias was visually inspected using Begg's funnel plot. Data were synthesized from four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 122 subjects in the IPL group and 120 subjects in the control group. Pooled analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) scores between the two groups [SMD -0.16 (95% CI, -0.41 to 0.10)] but a significant increase in Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Time (NIBUT) scores in the IPL group (SMD, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.40-1.40). To conclude, the results of the present study did not provide any conclusive evidence for the efficacy of IPL therapy in the management of MGD. The analysis indicated that IPL therapy may result in an improvement of objective NIBUT scores but has no effect on subjective SPEED scores. Given the limited number of studies performed to date, there is a requirement for more well-designed prospective RCTs with a larger sample size to provide further evidence on the efficacy of IPL therapy.

Effects of Aqueous-Supplementing Artificial Tears in Wearers of Biweekly Replacement Contact Lenses vs Wearers of Daily Disposable Contact Lenses.

PurposeTo compare the effects of artificial tears (ATs) in wearers of biweekly replacement silicone hydrogel contact lenses (BW-Ws) and wearers of daily disposable contact lenses (DD-Ws) of the same material.Materials and MethodsThe aqueous-supplementing ATs, OPTOyalA and OPTOidro, were assigned to be used for 2 weeks to healthy and young subjects: 1) 20 (8 and 12, respectively) BW-Ws wearing silicone hydrogel somofilcon A CLs (Clariti Elite), 2) 18 (9 and 9, respectively) DD-Ws wearing silicone hydrogel somofilcon A CLs (Clarity 1 Day), and 3) a control group of 33 (16 and 17, respectively) N-Ws. Ocular symptoms and comfort, tear volume and stability, and ocular surface condition were assessed by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ5), tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), and evaluation of ocular redness (OR). The assessment was performed before and after 15 days of use of the ATs in the 3 groups (BW-Ws, DD-Ws, and N-Ws).ResultsNo clear significant difference was noted in symptoms and signs between OPTOyalA and OPTOidro irrespectively of the group of people studied. ATs use for 15 days produced a significant improvement in DEQ5 and OR in DD-Ws (Δ=−34%, p=0.006; Δ=−23%, p<0.001) and in N-Ws (Δ=−21%, p=0.001; Δ=−10%, p=0.006) but not in BW-Ws (Δ=−5%, p=0.072; Δ=−2%, p=0.257). No significant change was noted for TMH.ConclusionIn young and healthy subjects, the aqueous-supplementing effect of the ATs under consideration is more a rinsing and tear replacem ent effect than an increase in tear volume, and it produces an improvement of the eye redness and ocular symptoms. Contact lens wear influenced the effectiveness of ATs in a way which is correlated with the CL replacement schedule.

Therapeutic benefits of blinking exercises in dry eye disease

PurposeDry eye disease (DED) is an important public health concern given its increasing prevalence and impact on patient quality of life. Blinking frequency and completeness are reduced during digital screen exposure, compromising meibum secretion and distribution, causing tear film instability and leading to DED. This study evaluated the effects of blinking exercises on blink pattern and clinical signs and symptoms of DED. MethodsFifty-four participants with dry eye symptoms received instructions to perform a ten-second cycle of blinking exercises every 20 min during waking hours for four weeks. Symptoms were assessed using the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI); blinking patterns measured with the TearScience LipiView II; and tear film and ocular surface parameters assessed with the Oculus Keratograph 5M. Measures at baseline and on day 28 were compared. ResultsForty-one participants completed the study, reporting an average of 25.6 daily blinking exercise cycles. Improvements were noted in DEQ-5 (from 11 ± 4 to 7 ± 3; p < 0.001), OSDI (36 ± 18 to 22 ± 17; p < 0.001), non-invasive tear film breakup time (6.5 ± 2.4 to 8.1 ± 4.8 s; p < 0.04), the proportion of incomplete blinks (54 ± 36 to 34 ± 29 %; p < 0.001), but not in tear meniscus height or tear film lipid layer thickness. ConclusionBlinking exercises can modify poor blinking patterns and improve dry eye symptomology, with modest changes in objective measures of tear film quality. Incorporating such routines into clinical care recommendations may improve blinking habits and help protect against the impact of digital device use on tear film quality and DED onset and evolution.

The influence of overnight orthokeratology on ocular surface and dry eye-related cytokines IL-17A, IL-6, and PGE2 in children

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of overnight orthokeratology (OOK) on the ocular surface and dry eye-related cytokines in children. MethodsA non-randomized, prospective pilot study was conducted including sixty myopes treated with OOK and sixty age-matched spectacle wearing participants. The following tests were performed before and after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months: ocular surface disease index (OSDI), noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meiboscore using noncontact meibography. Then the concentrations of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in tear samples were detected with a multiplex immunobead assay at different time points. ResultsAll parameters had no statistical differences between the two groups prior to treatment. No adverse events were observed except trace to moderate corneal staining and allergic conjunctivitis in the treatment group. NITBUT significantly decreased after 6 and 12 months OOK wearing (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). After wearing OOK there was a significant increase in CFS at each follow-up time point compared with baseline (P = 0.023, P = 0.016, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively). The upper meiboscore and the total meiboscore increased gradually and peaked at 12 months of OOK (both P < 0.001). The concentration of the three cytokines in the treatment group significantly increased after OOK wearing. These increases occurred at different time points: IL-17A increased significantly 3 months after OOK, IL-6 at 6 months, and PGE2 at 12 months (all P < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in the above parameters in the control group. There were no significant differences in the OSDI or TMH at any follow-up time point compared to baseline in both groups (both P > 0.05). ConclusionsShort-term OOK may reduce the stability of the tear film and increase damage to the corneal epithelium. Long-term OOK could induce ocular inflammation through the disruption of meibomian glands.

Provocation of the ocular surface to investigate the evaporative pathophysiology of dry eye disease

PurposeTo investigate whether standard clinical measures of tear film stability, meniscus height and symptomology reflect changes in evaporation rate induced by ocular surface provocations. MethodsForty participants (23.8 ± 4.5 years, 53 % female) with healthy to mild dry eyes underwent two tear film provocations in random sequence on separate occasions: playing a tablet computer high concentration game (http://slither.io/) for 30 min; and receiving treatment with humidity goggles for 10 min followed by liposomal spray application. Measures at baseline and 30 min later were: Symptom Assessment iN Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire, tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT), non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), dynamic tear film lipid layer pattern (DLP) and tear film evaporation (TFE). ResultsThere were no differences in the baseline measurements before each provocation (p > 0.05). Dry eye symptoms significantly worsened with concentration task (p < 0.001) and improved with treatment (p < 0.001). DLP and LLT significantly increased with treatment (p < 0.05), but was unaffected with the concentration task (p > 0.05). NIBUT declined with the concentration task (p = 0.015), but was not enhanced with treatment (p = 0.142). TMH increased after treatment (p = 0.001) and decreased with the concentration task (p = 0.006). While evaporation decreased with the concentration task (p < 0.001), treatment had no effect (p = 0.333). LLT was associated with evaporation (p = 0.036) and additionally with symptom severity (p = 0.002) and tear volume (p = 0.017). ConclusionsSub-classifying dry eye based on an ‘evaporative’ component to inform treatment seems over-simplistic. However objective TMH, NIBUT and LLT seem to be the key clinical metrics that drive ocular comfort.

Differential Diagnosis of Sjögren Versus Non-Sjögren Dry Eye Through Tear Film Biomarkers.

Systemic implications necessitate the identification of dry eye patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS). This study aims to explore the utility of tear MUC5AC and inflammatory cytokine levels in the differential diagnosis of SS-related dry eye. A prospective, observational, case-control study was conducted on 62 patients (those with a definitive diagnosis of SS dry eye, non-SS dry eye, and age-matched healthy controls with no dry eye). Clinical evaluations included the following tests in the order listed here: noninvasive tear break-up time, osmolarity, tear sampling, Schirmer test without anesthesia, and ocular surface staining (lissamine green for conjunctiva and fluorescein for cornea). Tear MUC5AC levels were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and cytokines [interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17a, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12p70] were measured using a Luminex assay in a masked fashion. The Bulbar conjunctival lissamine green staining score was significantly greater in patients or controls with SS versus non-SS dry eye. This greater conjunctival staining was associated with a reduction in tear MUC5AC (B = -17.8 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval = -31.8 to -3.9, P = 0.01). Among the tear cytokines, a significant association was found between IL-8 levels (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.002, 95% confidence interval = 1.000-1.003, P = 0.03) and SS diagnosis. When patients were stratified based on tear MUC5AC levels, significantly increased tear IL-8 levels were detected in patients with SS dry eye but not with non-SS dry eye, in comparison with healthy controls. Tear levels of goblet cell-specific MUC5AC combined with IL-8 can potentially serve as a useful biomarker for differential diagnosis of SS dry eye from non-SS dry eye.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Short Term Effect of Virtual Reality on Tear Film Stability and Ocular Discomfort

Virtual reality (VR) has been integrated and used with smartphones as one of the digital entertainments such as in gaming and movie streaming. With emergent of various VR brands in the market, it concerns the public on the possible side effects of VR on the ocular performance specifically on tear film stability and ocular discomfort. The purpose of this study was to compare the change on non-invasive keratograph tear break-up time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) before and after the use of VR for 30 minutes, and to measure the ocular discomfort after the use of VR quantitatively. Thirty-two subjects were recruited in this study and all the subjects were divided randomly into two groups; VR and laptop (used as a control) groups. Each subject needed to watch a movie for 30 minutes using the respective devices. The changes of tear film stability and ocular discomfort before and after the use of the devices were then compared and the results showed that there was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) after 30 minutes of the use. Comparison of the ocular parameters between the devices on post-watching activities was also not significant (p&gt;0.05). Use of VR did not give any signs of dryness to the eyes and it can be used without any discomfort even after 30 minutes usage of the devices.

Evaluation of tear film and the morphological changes of meibomian glands in young Asian soft contact lens wearers and non-wearers

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the differences in terms of tear film and meibomian glands (MGs) between young Asian soft contact lens (CL) wearers and non-wearers.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 148 subjects (63 non-wearers, and 85 soft CL wearers who had been wearing CLs for more than 1 year) recruited from a clinic in Tianjin, China. All subjects first responded to an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and then underwent a standardized dry eye examination, which included measuring tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS). The MGs were evaluated via ImageJ, distorted MG count and the MG dropout were recorded.ResultsCompared to the control group (non-wearers), the CL group recorded higher OSDI and CFS scores, lower TMH and NITBUT values, a larger distorted MG count, and larger MG dropout (all P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis found a correlation between MG dropout and the duration of CL use (r = 0.440, P < 0.001), OSDI (r = 0.298, P = 0.006), and CFS scores (r = 0.442, P < 0.001).ConclusionCL wearers showed higher MG dropout and reduced TMH and NITBUT, which likely contributes to severe CL-related dry eye symptoms. CL use may lead to a higher MG dropout rate, and the extent of the MG dropout presumably influences the tear film status in CL wearers.

Agreement and repeatability of four different devices to measure non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT)

PurposeSince tear film stability can be affected by fluorescein, the Dry Eye Workshop (DEWSII) recommended non-invasive measurement of tear breakup time (NIBUT). The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement and repeatability of four different instruments in the measurement of NIBUT. Methods72 participants (mean 24.2 ± 3.6 years) were recruited for this multi-centre, cross-sectional study. NIBUT was measured three times from one eye using each of the instruments in randomized order on two separate sessions during a day, separated by at least 2 h. NIBUT was performed at three sites (Switzerland, Germany and UK) using three subjective instruments, Tearscope Plus (Keeler, Windsor, UK) (TS), Polaris (bon Optic, Lübeck, Germany) (POL), EasyTear Viewplus (Easytear, Rovereto, Italy) (ET) and the objective Keratograph 5 M (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) (KER). As the latter instrument only analyses for 24 s, all data was capped at this value. ResultsNIBUT measurements (average of both sessions) between the four instruments were not statistically significantly different: TS (median 10.4, range 2.0–24.0 s), POL (10.1, 1.0–24.0 s), ET (10.6, 1.0–24.0 s) and KER (11.1, 2.6–24.0 s) (p = 0.949). The objective KER measures were on average (1.2 s ± 9.6 s, 95 % confidence interval) greater than the subjective evaluations of NIBUT with the other instruments (mean difference 0.4 s ± 7.7 s, 95 % confidence interval), resulting in a higher limits of agreement. The slope was -0.08 to 0.11 indicating no bias in the difference between instruments with the magnitude of the NIBUT. Repeated measurements from the two sessions were not significantly different for TS (p = 0.584), POL (p = 0.549), ET (p = 0.701) or KER (p = 0.261). ConclusionsThe four instruments evaluated for their measurement of tear stability were reasonably repeatable and give similar average results.

A Review of Imaging Biomarkers of the Ocular Surface.

A biomarker is a "characteristic that is measured as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or responses to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions." Recently, calls for biomarkers for ocular surface diseases have increased, and advancements in imaging technologies have aided in allowing imaging biomarkers to serve as a potential solution for this need. This review focuses on the state of imaging biomarkers for ocular surface diseases, specifically non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear meniscus measurement and corneal epithelial thickness with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), meibomian gland morphology with infrared meibography and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), ocular redness with grading scales, and cellular corneal immune cells and nerve assessment by IVCM. Extensive literature review was performed for analytical and clinical validation that currently exists for potential imaging biomarkers. Our summary suggests that the reported analytical and clinical validation state for potential imaging biomarkers is broad, with some having good to excellent intra- and intergrader agreement to date. Examples of these include NIBUT for dry eye disease, ocular redness grading scales, and detection of corneal immune cells by IVCM for grading and monitoring inflammation. Further examples are nerve assessment by IVCM for monitoring severity of diabetes mellitus and neurotrophic keratitis, and corneal epithelial thickness assessment with anterior segment OCT for the diagnosis of early keratoconus. However, additional analytical validation for these biomarkers is required before clinical application as a biomarker.

Treating Uncomfortable Contact Lens Wear With Orthokeratology.

Many contact lens (CL) users permanently discontinue wear because of ocular dryness and discomfort. This study aimed to determine whether refitting symptomatic soft CL wearers in to orthokeratology could improve ocular symptoms and signs. This was a prospective, 3-month, open-label study of symptomatic (Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire [CLDEQ-8] ≥12) soft CL wearers who were between the ages of 18 and 45 years. All subjects were refit into orthokeratology CLs (Emerald, Euclid Systems). The following tests were completed: CL history, Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire, CLDEQ-8, CLDEQ-4, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity, pupil size, refractive error, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, noninvasive tear break-up time, tear meniscus height, phenol red thread, conjunctival staining, corneal aesthesiometry, and corneal topography. Twenty-nine of 40 qualifying subjects (age=24.43±4.62 years) completed the study. No significant differences were detected between completed and noncomplete subjects. Completed subjects had significantly better CLDEQ-8, CLDEQ-4, and SPEED scores at 3 months compared with baseline. Completed subjects had significantly better conjunctival staining scores and flatter keratometry values at 1 month compared with baseline. Although not all symptomatic soft CL wearers were able to be refit into orthokeratology, subjects who were wearing orthokeratology at 3 months had a significant and clinically meaningful improvement in ocular symptoms. Additional work is needed to determine the mechanism leading to improved comfort because few clinical signs were changed after switching to orthokeratology.

Analysis of factors leading to lid wiper epitheliopathy.

Lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) has received more attention during the diagnosis and treatment of the dry eye. However, its causes and pathogenesis remain unclear. We aimed to explore the etiology of LWE by analyzing the association between the severity of LWE and different anatomical and tissue morphological examination characteristics using confocal microscopy on eyes with dry eye syndrome. We recruited 350 patients with LWE and dry eye syndrome (350 eyes). We examined the eyes with lid-wiper staining, conjunctival staining, a comprehensive ocular surface exam using the OCULUS keratography 5M, conjunctival impression cytology, and confocal microscopy observations. We analyzed the associations between each indicator and the LWE staining score. According to the Spearman's analysis, the LWE staining score was weakly associated with thickness of the lipid layer (r=0.1737, p=0.0005) and severity of Meibomian gland dysfunction (r=0.2026, p<0.0001); and strongly associated with staging of conjunctival impression cytology (r= -0.7694, p<0.0001). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that, LWE staining score was moderately associated with age (r=0.4165, p<0.0001), tear meniscus height (r=0 -0.4019, p<0.0001), and NIKBUT-first (noninvasive keratography tear film breakup time) (r= -0.5108, p<0.0001); and strongly associated with NIKBUT-average (r= -0.7820, p<0.0001) and ocular staining score (r=0.6113, p<0.00001). Some patients presented abnormal blinking. We observed deeper lesion depths and more holes and fissures in the lid wipers of patients with more severe LWE than in patients with milder LWE. Abnormal friction factors caused by insufficient lubrication between the lid wiper area and the ocular surface seem to influence the development and/or the severity of LWE. Aggravation of LWE further increases the frictional damage between the lid wiper and the ocular surface.

Evaluation of Meibomian Glands in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

To evaluate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on the meibomian glands, ocular surface, and tear parameters. The study included 59 individuals (32 subjects with OSAHS, 27 control subjects) who underwent polysomnography in the Chest Diseases Clinic. The right eyes of all individuals were evaluated in the Ophthalmology Clinic. The first noninvasive tear break-up time (f-NTBUT) and the average noninvasive tear break-up time were measured, and Schirmer test was applied. Meibography was taken (Sirius; CSO, Florence, Italy), and meiboscore was used for indexing meibography. Finally, a sample was taken for conjunctival impression cytology. In the study and control groups, the median of f-NTBUT was 2.1 seconds [interquartile range (IQR); 1.5-5.0] and 5.7 seconds (IQR; 2.9-8.8) and the median of average noninvasive tear break-up time was 5.6 seconds (IQR; 3.6-9.5) and 7.2 seconds (IQR; 4.2-10.7), respectively (P = 0.007 and P = 0.487, respectively). The mean Schirmer value was 16.3 ± 5.9 mm (range; 5-25) and 17.3 ± 6.6 mm (range; 5-30) in the study and control groups (P = 0.604). In upper eyelid meibography, the median of loss in the meibomian glands was 20.10% (IQR; 11.60%-40.80%) in the study group and 14.70% (IQR; 10.40%-21.30%) in the control group (P = 0.043). In lower eyelid meibography, the median of loss in the meibomian glands was 19.00% (IQR; 13.60%-35.30%) in the study group and 12.40% (IQR; 9.10%-16.40%) in the control group (P = 0.002). The median of the Nelson grade in conjunctival impression cytology was 1 (IQR; 0-1) in the study group and 1 (IQR; 0-1) in the control group (P = 0.445). The loss in the meibomian glands together with the shortened f-NTBUT shows that there could be a predisposition in OSAHS for evaporative dry eye originating from meibomian gland damage.

Intense pulse light therapy treatment for refractory dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction

To assess the effect of the intense pulse light (IPL) therapy for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye parameters. Patients who underwent an IPL therapy for the treatment of MGD were included in this retrospective study. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, the frequency of daily lubricant use, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), meibomian glad dropout scores, corneal staining scores, and Schirmer test results were collected from patient charts that recorded at baseline and follow-up visits at 1month, 3months, and 12months. For the analysis, patients were grouped based on the severity of their baseline meibomian gland dropout score as mild, moderate, and severe atrophy. Forty-three patients (mild atrophy = 22, moderate atrophy = 17, and severe atrophy = 4) were included for analysis. Except for the Schirmer test, all dry eye parameters significantly improved in patients with mild and moderate atrophy following the treatment and this effect lasted until the 12-month follow-up visit (p < 0.001). No significant improvement in any parameter was observed in patients with severe atrophy at any time point (p > 0.05). In the mild and moderate atrophy groups, OSDI scores, as well as NIBUT, started improving at 1month (p < 0.01), while corneal staining and meibomian gland dropout scores showed earliest improvements at 3months (p < 0.01). No adverse events were observed, except for temporary redness in 4 patients. The IPL treatment seems an effective and safe treatment for patients with MGD. This study shows that the IPL resulting in an earlier improvement in symptoms and signs with long-lasting beneficial effect on the meibomian glands.

Correlation of Non-invasive Tear Break-Up Time with Tear Osmolarity and Other Invasive Tear Function Tests

ABSTRACTAim: To compare the outcomes of non-invasive break-up time (NI-BUT) test and the other conventional dry eye tests.Methods: The right eyes of 170 subjects were included in the study. In order to evaluate the tear quality of the patients, NI-BUT levels were measured by the Scheimplug-Placido disk system (Sirius topography). Tear osmolarity test was performed with TearLab Osmolarity System. Topical anesthesia-assisted type I Schirmer test and topical anesthesia-assisted BUT were lastly applied to all patients in order not to affect other measurements.Results: The mean NI-BUT value was 9.59 ± 4.37 sec, tear osmolarity was 292.93 ± 9.30 mOsm/L, Schirmer test was 15.32 ± 6.05 mm/5 min, and biomicroscopic BUT value was 8.98 ± 3.79 sec. The Schirmer test results were statistically significantly correlated with biomicroscopic BUT and NI-BUT values (p = .019, r = 0.180 and p = .030, r = 0.166; respectively). It was also found that tear osmolarity was strongly and inversely correlated with biomicroscopic BUT and topographic NI-BUT values (p < .001, r = −0.554 and p < .001, r = −0.528; respectively). There was no significant correlation between Schirmer test and tear osmolarity.Conclusion: It is important to use a sensitive, reproducible and non-invasive method in the evaluation of tear functions. We think that the objective and noninvasive topographic NI-BUT measurements and the minimally invasive osmolarity measurements should be used more frequently in practice because they are correlated with the measurements obtained by invasive methods and should be widespread in clinics.