Tear Break-up Time Research Articles

Beyond the aesthetic purposes of the botilinum toxin A; The dry eye syndrome with essential blepharospasm

Botulinum A toxin injection is a method used in clinical conditions such as blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, strabismus, migraine, hyperhidrosis, torticollis and migraine, in addition to its use for cosmetic purposes. It works by reducing the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, and as a result, a type of paralysis occurs in the applied area for a while. Botox applied around the tear collection ducts can provide dual benefits by reducing tear loss and relieving blepharospasm. In this study, botulinum toxin A injection was applied to 33 patients with essential blepharospasm and also dry eye syndrome. Schirmer test measurement, tear breakup time (BUT) and rose bengal disappearance test were measured before the injection and at the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month after the injection. At the same time, sampling was performed for impression cytology before the injection and at the 1st and 3rd months after the injection. Symptoms and signs of blepharospasm decreased in all patients treated with botulinum toxin A. However, the patients' Schirmer test measurements were measured immediately one week after the injection and decreased in other measurements. Tear breakout time (BUT) increased in the 1st week after the injection but decreased in the 4th week measurements. Rose bengal disappearance score increased in the 1st week after injection and returned to its previous state in the 4th week. As a result of impression cytology, no change in conjunctival cell morphology was observed before and after injection. In conclusion, essential blepharospasm and dry eye are two independent diseases, but they can occur simultaneously. Botulinum toxin A injection is a very effective method in the treatment of blepharospasm. Although it has been stated in different studies that it has a positive effect on dry eye syndrome, it was observed that it did not have such an effect in our study.

Effect of Long-Acting Diquafosol Sodium on Astigmatism Measurement Repeatability in Preoperative Cataract Cases with Dry Eyes: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

Dry eye can compromise corneal astigmatism measurement repeatability during preoperative cataract surgery examination. No previous studies have analyzed the effectiveness of long-acting 3% diquafosol sodium (LA-DQS) on astigmatism measurement repeatability. This research assessed the effect of LA-DQS on astigmatism measurement repeatability in preoperative patients with cataract and short tear break-up time (TBUT) type dry eyes in both eyes of the same patient. Correlations between repeatability and TBUT, corneal high-order aberrations (HOAs), and corneal astigmatism magnitude were also analyzed. In total, 122 eyes (61 patients) with short TBUT-type dry eye were enrolled. Preoperatively, only one eye of all patients was treated with LA-DQS for 4 weeks. TBUT and corneal HOAs were checked using CASIA 2 before and 4 weeks post-treatment. The cylindrical power and meridian of astigmatism were measured at 3- and 4-week post-treatment using IOLMaster 700. Power vectors J0 and J45 were used for astigmatism calculations. Repeatability of astigmatism measurements was assessed as the within-subject standard deviation (Sw). The relative effects of TBUT and HOAs on J0 Sw and J45 Sw were also analyzed. Comparative changes in these variables were evaluated between treated and non-treated eyes, with additional analysis of their correlations. Treated eyes exhibited significant improvements in TBUT, HOAs, and post-treatment measurements of J0 Sw and J45 Sw at 3 and 4 weeks. In non-treated eyes, J0 Sw and J45 Sw showed significant correlation with TBUT and corneal HOAs. HOAs showed stronger relative associations with J0 Sw and J45 Sw than TBUT. In non-treated eyes, no significant correlation was found between cylindrical power and astigmatism measurement repeatability. In short TBUT-type dry eye, preoperative treatment with LA-DQS significantly improved astigmatism measurement repeatability. This may improve the precision of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations regardless of the magnitude of corneal astigmatism, especially when toric IOLs are used.

Varenicline Solution Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Following LASIK.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a varenicline solution nasal spray (VNS) for reducing the signs and symptoms of dry eye following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Subjects electing to undergo LASIK were randomized to VNS (study group) or placebo/vehicle (control group) and initiated treatment with the nasal spray twice daily 28days prior to surgery with continued treatment for 84days following LASIK. After initiation of treatment, subjects were seen on the day of surgery and postoperatively on Days 1, 7, 28, 84 (3months) and 168 (6months). The primary outcome measure was the mean change in NEI-VFQ-25, a 25-item dry eye questionnaire, from baseline to 3months. The second primary outcome measure was the mean change in corneal fluorescein staining. Secondary outcome measures included evaluation of tear break-up time, Schirmer testing, tear osmolarity and eye dryness score (EDS). Twenty subjects were enrolled in each group and successfully underwent LASIK. Both groups demonstrated an improvement in the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) at 3months. The study group demonstrated improved corneal staining scores at months 1 and 3. Similarly, the study group demonstrated improvement in tear osmolarity scores versus the placebo group at the same time points. Although the study group was numerically greater than placebo for each time point for both corneal staining and tear osmolarity, the differences were not statistically significant for any primary or secondary outcome measures. VNS is a dry eye treatment option for patients following LASIK and may have potential benefit for patients hoping to avoid additional topical medications. The results were not statistically significant compared to placebo in this trial, and further investigation of the use of VNS following LASIK in a larger trial would be beneficial.

Assessment of tear film parameters post-treatment with commercial eyelid cleaning wipes: a pilot study.

To investigate the short-term effects of commercially available eyelid-cleaning wipes on film parameters. This study enrolled 48 healthy participants aged 20-35y (both males and females). Clinical assessment included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer pattern (LLP). Based on these initial results, participants were categorized as either non-dry eye or dry eye. Participants in each group were randomly allocated to either Blephaclean® or Systane® treatments. Changes in NITBUT, TMH, and LLP levels before and after lid wipe treatment were assessed. The dry eye group exhibited significantly higher OSDI scores and lower NITBUT and TMH levels than in the non-dry eye group (P<0.001). Following the application of eyelid wipes (Systane® wipes), dry eye subjects experienced a significant improvement in NITBUT levels (P=0.0014) compared to the non-dry eye individuals. Although the remaining participants showed a marginal increase in TMH and NITBUT levels, these changes did not achieve statistical significance (P>0.05). Similarly, the LLP levels were significantly improved with Systane® (P<0.001) post-treatment compared to individuals in the non-dry eye group. However, the dry eye subjects showed higher post-treatment LLP levels than the untreated group (P<0.02). The short-term effects of Systane® eyelid wipes on tear film parameters suggest their effectiveness in dry eye disease. Nonetheless, further exploration of their long-term impact is essential to justify their cost effectiveness and efficacy in treating both aqueous deficiency and evaporative dryness.

Loss of function of the meibomian glands among HIV and AIDS individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy

Background: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most encountered diseases in the clinical practice but appears to be underappreciated as it does not cause blindness. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a multifactorial and complex disorder of the ocular surface.Aim: This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of the meibomian glands in individuals living with HIV and AIDS undergoing antiretroviral therapy.Setting: The study was conducted at the antiretroviral (ARV) clinic, Mankweng Hospital.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted with 37 HIV and AIDS participants and 20 healthy controls. All participants were assessed using the Ocular Surface Diseases Index (OSDI) score and, tear break-up time and lid margin regularity (using the slit-lamp biomicroscopy). The loss of the meibomian glands was evaluated using the Marx’s line. For this study, this line represented a clinical parameter of meibomian function.Results: The OSDI score was significantly higher in the HIV and AIDS group than that of the control participants (39.95 ± 18.65 and 13.00 ± 9.09, respectively, P 0.05). The tear breakup time (TBUT) for the HIV and AIDS study group was lower than that of the control group (7.95 ± 3.54 and 9.90 ± 3.70, respectively, P 0.05). The HIV and AIDS participants showed greater meibomian gland loss relative to the healthy controls (9.30 ± 4.97 and 5.70 ± 2.1, P 0.05).Conclusion: The loss of eyelid meibomian glands is common in people living with HIV and AIDS in comparison with healthy controls.Contribution: Although there is a decrease in sight-threatening complications in the era of ARVs, ocular surface disorders (OSD) are still commonly found, which may reduce the quality of life of HIV and AIDS individuals.

Comparing meibomian gland visibility on optical coherence tomography and Keratograph 5M images using objective and subjective grading methods

PurposeTo investigate if there is a visible difference in meibomian gland (MG) length between images captured with the Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT; wavelength = 1,310 nm) and the OCULUS Keratograph 5M (K5M; wavelength = 880 nm). MethodsAdults between 18 and 40 years were recruited. Baseline dry eye disease was evaluated with the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) and tear meniscus height and tear breakup time with the K5M. Right upper and lower eyelid MGs were imaged with the K5M and Visante OCT. Each image was graded with the 0 to 3 meiboscore scale. The central 5 MGs were evaluated with ImageJ for percent gland length visibility. ResultsThirty participants were analyzed with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 23.0 (5.0) years (53.3 % female). Overall, participants were asymptomatic and had normal tear films. Meiboscores based on K5M and Visante OCT was significantly different for the lower eyelid (0[1] vs 1[2]; p = 0.007) but not the upper eyelid (0[1] vs 0[1]; p = 1.00). The mean percent gland visibility of the upper eyelid (82.7[9.6] vs 75.2[13.5]; p < 0.001) and the lower eyelid (81.2[12.7] vs 64.1[17.6]; p < 0.001) were significantly greater on the Visante OCT than the K5M images, respectively. ConclusionOCT images had significantly greater percent visible MG lengths than the K5M images. This suggests viable segments of the MGs may be missed with typical imaging, which may explain how it is possible that studies have found less post-treatment MG atrophy.

Impact of dry eye on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity

Background Although normal visual acuity (VA) has been documented in dry eye disease (DED), it has a deleterious effect on multiple aspects of visual functions. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the VA and contrast sensitivity in patients with DED. Patients and methods The study included 60 eyes of 30 patients with bilateral DED. The patients were evaluated on presentation and one month and 3 months after treatment. The evaluation included measurement of VA, contrast sensitivity, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer’s test. The treatment was prescribed for 3 months and included hot fomentations, topical steroids 4 times daily, tear substitutes with sodium hyaluronate 0.1% and tear substitutes with polyethylene glycol 0.3%, propylene glycol, and hydroxypropyl guar 4 times daily, and cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops twice daily. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in the functional outcome from baseline to 3 months after treatment. The uncorrected VA improved from LogMAR 0.585±0.27 at baseline to 0.52±0.26, 3 months after treatment (P=0.017). Similarly, the best corrected VA improved from 0.332±0.235 at baseline to 0.217±0.138 (P=0.012), and the contrast sensitivity improved from 1.188±0.255 to 1.59±0.118 (P=0.009) after 3 months. The TBUT significantly improved from 4.08±2.895 s to 8.35±1.665 s (P=0.001) and the Schirmer’s test from 5.45±3.72 mm to 9.53±2.38 mm (P=0.001) 3 months after treatment. There was a significant negative correlation between the TBUT and VA 3 months after treatment (r=−0.4094, P &lt;0.021). Conclusion There was a significant improvement in VA, contrast sensitivity, TBUT, and Schirmer’s test within a few months of treatment of DED.

Evaluation of Ocular Surface Parameters and Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers in Hazelnut Harvesters

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the relationship between systemic inflammation markers and ocular surface parameters in hazelnut harvesters. Material and Method This prospective study included 30 patients presenting with moderate ocular surface diseases during the hazelnut harvesting season. A detailed ophthalmological examination was performed during the harvesting season and the first month after the end of treatment (control). Schirmer test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores were determined. In complete blood count analysis, in addition to the evaluation of inflammatory cells, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated. Results Eosinophil percentage had a high level of negative correlation with the TBUT and Schirmer values and a high level of positive correlation with the OSDI score during the hazelnut picking season (r = –0.727, r = –0.735, r = 0.750, respectively). During the hazelnut harvesting season, the NLR and SII parameters had a moderate level of negative correlation with the TBUT (r = –0.29 and r = −0.276) and Schirmer (r = –0.33 and r = −0.298) values and a moderate level of positive correlation with the OSDI score (r = 0.389 and r = 0.264). Conclusion In hazelnut harvesters, ocular allergy and inflammation may be associated with systemic biomarkers.

Role of Vitamin D3 Supplementation in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of vitamin D3 supplementation in treating non-Sjogren dry eye (NSDE) patients compared to the conventional treatment with artificial tears. Study Design: Non-randomized controlled Trial. Place and duration of study: Rural Health Centre (RHC) Buchaal Kalan from September 2021 to July 2022 Methods: This study allocated 108 patients with NSDE and hypovitaminosis D via two-arm parallel assignment. The sample was divided into two groups by non-probability purposive sampling. Group 1 received conventional treatment as artificial tears 4 times/day and group 2 was given oral vitamin D3 supplementation of 6000 IU daily along with artificial tears for a period of 90 days. The impact of oral vitamin D3 supplementation on NSDE was assessed by comparing means of ocular parameters of both groups over time. Tear break-up time (TBUT) in seconds and Schirmer’s test (ST) score in millimeters were primary outcome measures. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) were secondary outcome measures. Results: The mean age of patients in group 1 and group 2 was 34.98±8.64 and 34.87±8.79 respectively. Similarly, the mean serum 25 (OH) D level was 15.03±3.27 in group 1 and 14.93±3.26 in group 2. Results showed that OSDI and NPRS scores were decreased in both groups, however, TBUT and ST scores were improved in group 2. Conclusion: Oral vitamin D3 supplementation may serve as a new treatment option for NSDE patients having hypovitaminosis D.

Evaluation of cyclosporine 0.05% and artificial tears for the management of dry eye disease following cataract surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

To compare the effects of cyclosporine 0.05% and artificial tears on dry eye disease following cataract surgery. This prospective, double-masked, randomized clinical trial enroled 60 eyes of 60 eligible cataract patients who completed the study. Patients were randomized to receive either cyclosporine 0.05% or artificial tear four times daily for 1 month following cataract surgery. Clinical assessments included refraction, corrected distance visual acuity, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's test, and the visual analogue scale (VAS). An independent sample t-test was used to compare the means of the variables between the two groups. Mean patient age was 64.15±9.17 (range, 45-90), of which 53% (n=32) were female. There was no significant difference in mean age (P=0.308) between the two groups. One month postoperatively, the cyclosporine 0.05% group had a significantly higher TBUT value (P=0.004). Schirmer's result (P=0.095) and the VAS questionnaire scores (P=0.374) did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the visual outcomes (P>0.05). Cyclosporine 0.05% was superior to artificial tears in improving tear stability after cataract surgery in the management of immediate postoperative dry eye. It may provide a more effective therapeutic option for the management of dry eye symptoms in the clinical setting.

Examining Tear Film Dynamics Using the Novel Tear Film Imager.

The purpose of this study was to examine Tear Film Imager (TFI, AdOM, Israel) generated parameters across controls and dry eye (DE) subgroups and examine the changes in TFI parameters with contact lens (CL) placement. The retrospective study (n = 48) was conducted at the Miami Veterans Hospital. Symptoms were assessed through validated questionnaires and signs of tear function by tear break-up time and Schirmer scores. Participants were grouped as 1) healthy, 2) evaporative, 3) aqueous deficient, and 4) mixed DE based on tear function. Seventeen individuals had a baseline scan and a repeat scan following CL placement. Descriptives were compared across groups and over time. The median age was 27 years, 74% self-identified as White, 45% as male, and 51% as Hispanic. Subjects in the aqueous deficiency category had lower muco-aqueous layer thickness (MALT) (2672 vs. 3084 nm) but higher lipid layer thickness (47.5 vs. 38.3 nm), lipid break-up time (4.4 vs. 2 seconds), and interblink interval (13.9 vs. 5.4 seconds) compared with the evaporative group. Subjects in the evaporative group had the highest MALT values (3084 vs. 2988, 2672, 3053 nm) compared with healthy, aqueous-deficient, and mixed groups. Symptoms were not significantly correlated with TFI parameters. CL placement significantly decreased MALT values (2869 → 2175 nm, P = 0.001). The TFI provides unique information regarding the dynamic function of the tear film not captured by clinical examination. TFI generated metrics demonstrate a thinner aqueous layer in individuals with aqueous deficiency but highlight a thicker aqueous layer in those with evaporative DE.

End-of-day assessment of asymptomatic versus highly symptomatic soft contact lens wearers.

To investigate differences in key clinical parameters between asymptomatic and highly symptomatic soft contact lens (CL) wearers after 14 h of wear. In this pilot investigation, Phase 1 identified asymptomatic (CLDEQ-8 score ≤ 7) and highly symptomatic (CLDEQ-8 score ≥ 20) subjects after fitting with nelfilcon A CLs. Phase 2 investigated the following over a single nelfilcon A CL-wearing day (14 ± 2 h): blinking characteristics, tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), tear film osmolarity and eyelid margin staining. Parameters for the two groups were compared using linear mixed models and post-hoc testing. The relationship between comfort scores and the clinical parameters was also investigated. Overall, 161 and 42 subjects were enrolled into Phase 1 and 2, respectively. Twenty-five asymptomatic and 17 symptomatic subjects completed Phase 2. Lower eyelid TMH was decreased after 14 h in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic subjects (least square mean [LSM] difference -0.04 mm, 95% CI: -0.07, -0.01). Osmolarity was lower in symptomatic than in asymptomatic subjects at fitting (LSM difference -9.89, 95% CI: -18.91, -0.86). Upper eyelid margin staining was greater after 14 h in symptomatic than in asymptomatic subjects (LSM difference 0.53, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.05) and greater after 14 h than baseline in the symptomatic group (LSM difference 0.61, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.07). There was a significant relationship between comfort and upper eyelid margin staining (r = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.63, -0.11) and blink rate (r = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.003). The potential parameters most effective in differentiating asymptomatic from symptomatic wearers were upper eyelid margin staining and lower TMH. The parameter with the strongest relationship to comfort was upper eyelid margin staining, where higher comfort scores were associated with lower levels of staining.

Frequency of dry eye syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional case-control study

Introduction: Demyelination of the nerve fibers of the central nervous system is a main pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS), in which inflammation plays a major role. Studies have shown that inflammation is the leading cause of dry eye disorder. To investigate the association between inflammation and both diseases, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) in MS patients and its correlation with the severity of the disease and disability status. Methods: We enrolled 100 MS patients randomly and 100 healthy controls. DES was evaluated by Dry Eye questionnaire and Scoring System (DESS), tear break-up time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and Schirmer 1 &amp; 2 tests in subjects. Furthermore, the leading disability in MS was assessed by a clinician (neurology professor) using the related questionnaire (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Results: According to the TBUT, THM, and Schirmer tests, the number of subjects with abnormal results was significantly higher in the MS group than in the control group. The severity of DES measured by the DESS was also higher in the MS group compared to control group. Also, there was a significant relationship between increasing disability and abnormal dry eye tests, especially in MS patients with EDSS scores&gt;4. Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of considering dry eye disorder in MS patients as a possible consequence of inflammation. Also, our results suggested a significant relationship between dry eye disorder and the EDSS scores.

Efficacy of far infrared functional glasses in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction-related dry eye.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-related dry eye disease (DED) is a significant subtype of DED. In this research, we investigate the effectiveness of far infrared (FIR) functional glasses in the treatment of MGD-related DED. According to the TFO DEWS II diagnostic criteria, 61 eyes with MGD-related DED were included. All participants wore functional FIR glasses throughout the day for a period of 4weeks and were followed up three times during the treatment. All subjects were followed up thoroughly in accordance with the DED clinical examination procedure. Ultimately, the treatment's impact was assessed. We found the Visual Analogue Scale and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores after FIR treatment were significantly lower than the baseline values (p<0.05). Compared with the baseline, fluorescein tear breakup time and corneal fluorescein staining score after FIR treatment were significantly improved (p<0.05). The eyelid margin signs, meibum quality, and meibomian gland expressibility after the 4-week treatment were significantly better than those at baseline (p<0.05). We can see that wearing the FIR functional glasses significantly relieves the symptoms and signs of patients. We believe FIR therapy could be considered as a new method of MGD-related DED.

Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) and Eicosanoids on Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) generate pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids via three different metabolic pathways. This study profiled tear PUFAs and their metabolites and examined the relationships with dry eye (DE) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) symptoms and signs. A total of 40 individuals with normal eyelids and corneal anatomies were prospectively recruited. The symptoms and signs of DE and MGD were assessed, and tear samples (from the right eye) were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Mann-Whitney U tests assessed differences between medians; Spearman tests assessed correlations between continuous variables; and linear regression models assessed the impact of potential confounders. The median age was 63 years; 95% were male; 30% were White; and 85% were non-Hispanic. The symptoms of DE/MGD were not correlated with tear PUFAs and eicosanoids. DE signs (i.e., tear break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer's) negatively correlated with anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (11,12-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12 DHET) and 14,15-dihydroxyicosatrienoic acid (14,15, DHET)). Corneal staining positively correlated with the anti-inflammatory PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). MGD signs significantly associated with the pro-inflammatory eicosanoid 15-hydroxyeicosatetranoic acid (15-HETE) and DHA. Several relationships remained significant when potential confounders were considered. DE/MGD signs relate more to tear PUFAs and eicosanoids than symptoms. Understanding the impact of PUFA-related metabolic pathways in DE/MGD may provide targets for new therapeutic interventions.

Improvement of Clinical Findings, Meibography and Tear Film Parameters in Pediatric Ocular Rosacea Patients After a Standard Treatment Protocol

ABSTRACT Purpose The objective of this study was to illustrate the changes in ocular findings, meibography, and tear break-up time (TBUT) values in pediatric patients with ocular rosacea following a standardized treatment. Methods The study included consecutive patients diagnosed with ocular rosacea, referred to a tertiary hospital between 2021 and 2023. Each patient underwent biomicroscopic examinations, non-invasive TBUT assessments, corneal fluorescein staining (evaluated using the Oxford scoring system), and meibography. The standard treatment protocol involved warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, preservative-free sodium hyaluronate eye drops (administered four times daily), topical azithromycin 1.5% (twice daily for 3 days), topical steroids (loteprednol 0.5%, four times daily for 2 weeks), and either doxycycline 100 mg/day for 14 days or oral suspension of azithromycin 10 mg/kg for 3 days followed by an additional three-day course of treatment administered 10 days later (for patients above and below 14 years of age, respectively). Results The study included 18 patients, with 10 (55.5%) being female and 8 (44.4%) being male, with a mean age of 9.7 ± 4.5 years (range: 3–18). Four patients displayed cutaneous involvement. The treatments resulted in significant improvements in the Oxford scores, reduction in corneal neovascularization, and increased TBUT (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p < 0.001, respectively). Meibomian gland loss area also significantly improved post-treatment (27.4 ± 6.7% vs 39.2 ± 13.4%, p = 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrated that pediatric ocular rosacea patients may exhibit improved meibomian gland function, regression of corneal neovascularization, and enhanced tear film parameters following a standardized treatment protocol that includes both topical and systemic approaches.

A Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors of Digital Eye Strain among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients

Background: The proliferation of digital devices in modern society has led to a significant increase in the prevalence of Digital Eye Strain (DES), characterized by symptoms such as eye fatigue, dryness, and headaches. This condition poses a particular risk to individuals with systemic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, which can exacerbate ocular symptoms. Understanding the relationship between DES and diabetes is crucial for developing targeted interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of Digital Eye Strain among diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, examining the impact of digital device usage patterns, ocular surface health, and visual discomfort symptoms in both groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Eye Department of Jeddah National Hospital, involving 150 diabetic and 150 non-diabetic participants, employing purposive sampling. Participants were evaluated for DES symptoms, digital device usage habits, and clinical signs of ocular surface health, including Tear Break Up Time (TBUT), Fluorescein Stains (FS), and Tear Meniscus Height. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on statistical differences between the two groups. Results: The mean age of participants was 56 years (SD=10.3) for the diabetic group and 54 years (SD=8) for the non-diabetic group, with a balanced gender distribution across both groups. Diabetic participants demonstrated a significantly lower TBUT (median=5 seconds, IQR=2) compared to non-diabetics (median=7 seconds, IQR=1), P=0.001. DES symptoms, particularly eye fatigue and headaches, were more prevalent among diabetics, with over four hours of computer usage exacerbating symptoms (eye fatigue: 57%, P=0.001; headache: 32.8%, P=0.029). Environmental and behavioral factors, including improper illumination and infrequent breaks, were significantly associated with increased DES symptoms. Conclusion: Digital Eye Strain is more prevalent and severe among diabetic individuals, with significant implications for ocular and general well-being. The findings underscore the need for targeted digital health interventions and ergonomic practices to mitigate DES symptoms, especially among those with diabetes.

Investigation of lacrimal gland and extraocular muscle in thyroid eye disease patients with severe subjective dry eye disease: a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging study

PurposeTo analyze the radiological features of the lacrimal gland (LG) and extraocular muscle (EOM) in thyroid eye disease (TED) patients with severe subjective dry eye disease (DED) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, mechanical ocular exposure, dry eye assessment and MRI data were collected. Patients were classified into non-severe subjective DED group with ocular surface disease index (OSDI) < 33 and severe subjective DED group with OSDI ≥ 33. Linear regression model was applied for comparing the OSDI < 33 and OSDI ≥ 33 group in TED patients. The predictive performance of MRI parameters and models was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.ResultsConsecutive 88 TED patients (176 eyes) were included in this study. In the OSDI < 33 group, 52 TED patients (104 eyes) with a mean clinical activity score (CAS) of 0.63 ± 0.75. In the OSDI ≥ 33 group, there are 36 TED patients (72 eyes), with a mean CAS of 1.50 ± 1.54. The age and sex of the patients were matched between the two groups. The OSDI ≥ 33 group had shorter tear break-up time, larger levator palpebrae superioris / superior rectus (LPS/SR), inferior rectus and lateral rectus, smaller LG, more inflammatory LPS/SR and inferior rectus than OSDI < 33 DED group (P < 0.05). In the linear regression analysis, compare to the OSDI < 33 DED group, the OSDI ≥ 33 group had larger medial rectus cross-sectional area (β = 0.06, 95%CI: (0.02, 0.10), P = 0.008), larger inferior rectus cross-sectional area (β = 0.06, 95%CI: (0.00, 0.12), P = 0.048), smaller LG cross-sectional area (β = -0.14, 95%CI: (-0.25, -0.04), P = 0.008). In the ROC analysis, the area under curve of medial rectus, inferior rectus, LG, and combined model are 0.625, 0.640, 0.661 and 0.716, respectively.ConclusionMultiparametric MRI parameters of the LG and EOM in TED patients with severe subjective DED were significantly altered. Novel models combining the cross-sectional area of LG, medial rectus and inferior rectus showed good predictive performance in TED patients with severe subjective DED.

Electroencephalogram-detected stress levels in the frontal lobe region of patients with dry eye

PurposeTo evaluate stress levels extracted from prefrontal electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and investigate their relationship with dry eye symptoms. MethodsThis prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study included 25 eyes of 25 patients with aqueous tear-deficient dry eye (low Schirmer group), 25 eyes of 25 patients with short tear breakup time dry eye (short breakup time group), and 24 eyes of 24 individuals without dry eye. An EEG test, the Japanese version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and a stress questionnaire were administered. EEG-detected stress levels were assessed under three conditions: eyes closed, eyes open, and eyes open under ocular surface anesthesia. ResultsStress levels were significantly lower when the eyes were closed than when they were open in all groups (all P < 0.05). Stress levels during eyes open under ocular surface anesthesia were significantly lower than those during eyes open without anesthesia only in the low Schirmer group; no differences were found between the short breakup time and control groups. OSDI scores were associated with EEG-detected stress levels (P = 0.06) and vital staining score (P < 0.05) in the low Schirmer group; they were not associated with EEG-detected stress (P > 0.05), but with subjective stress questionnaire scores and breakup time values in the short breakup time group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsIn the low Schirmer group, peripheral nerve stimulation caused by ocular surface damage induced stress reactions in the frontal lobe, resulting in dry eye symptoms. Conversely, in the short breakup time group, the stress response in the frontal lobe was not related to symptom development.

New Korean Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Dry Eye Disease.

New Korean guidelines for the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease were developed based on literature reviews by the Korean Dry Eye Guideline Establishment Committee, a previous dry eye guideline by Korean Corneal Disease Study Group, a survey of Korean Dry Eye Society (KDES) members, and KDES consensus meetings. The new definition of dry eye was also proposed by KDES regular members. The new definition by the regular members of the KDES is as follows: "Dry eye is a disease of the ocular surface characterized by tear film abnormalities and ocular symptoms." The combination of ocular symptoms and an unstable tear film (tear breakup time &lt;7 seconds) was considered as essential components for the diagnosis of dry eye. Schirmer test and ocular surface staining were considered adjunctive diagnostic criteria. The treatment guidelines consisted of a simplified stepwise approach according to aqueous deficiency dominant, evaporation dominant, and altered tear distribution subtypes. New Korean guidelines can be used as a simple, valid, and accessible tool for the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease in clinical practice.