Tear Ferning Test Research Articles

MUC1‑ND interacts with TRPV1 to promote corneal epithelial cell proliferation in diabetic dry eye mice by partly activating the AKT signaling pathway.

Although both mucin1 (MUC1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) have been reported to be associated with dry eye (DE) disease, whether they interact and their regulatory roles in diabetic DE disease are unknown. Diabetic DE model mice were generated by streptozotocin induction and assessed by corneal fluorescein staining, tear ferning (TF) tests, phenol red thread tests, hematoxylin and eosin staining of corneal sections and periodic acid Schiff staining of conjunctival sections. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 assay. Western blotting was performed to measure protein expression. Primary mouse corneal epithelial cells (MCECs) were cultured after enzymatic digestion. Immunofluorescence staining of MCECs and frozen corneal sections was conducted to assess protein expression and colocalization. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to detect protein‑protein interactions. It was found that, compared with control mice, diabetic DE mice exhibited increased corneal epithelial defects, reduced tear production, poorer TF pattern grades and impaired corneal and conjunctival tissues. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that hyperglycemia impaired cell proliferation, accompanied by decreased levels of the MUC1 extracellular domain (MUC1‑ND) and TRPV1. Additionally, it was found that capsazepine (a TRPV1 antagonist) inhibited the proliferation of MCECs. Notably, MUC1‑ND was shown to interact with the TRPV1 protein in the control group but not in the diabetic DE group. It was also found that the AKT signaling pathway was attenuated in the diabetic DE mice and downstream of TRPV1. MUC1‑ND interacted with TRPV1, partly activating the AKT signaling pathway to promote MCEC proliferation. The present study found that the interaction of MUC1‑ND with TRPV1 promotes MCEC proliferation by partly activating the AKT signaling pathway, providing new insight into the pathogenesis of corneal epithelial dysfunction in diabetic DE disease.

Ocular Surface Characteristics in Pugs with Pigmentary Keratitis in the Canary Islands, Spain.

This study investigated the prevalence of pigmentary keratitis (PK) in Pug-breed dogs and described the ocular surface characteristics associated with this disease. A total of 219 eyes from 110 dogs were examined, with 94.5% of them affected by PK. Age, previous ocular diseases, corneal vascularization, and corneal sensitivity were significantly associated with the presence of PF and the severity of corneal pigmentation. The study also found that low tear production and blinks incomplete with tear signs, as well as reduced corneal sensitivity, were linked to more severe forms of corneal pigmentation. The Tear Ferning Test (TFT) was identified as a valuable tool for evaluating tear quality in dogs, with worse test results indicating a higher risk of severe PK. A lower mean Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test was observed in dogs with PK. Additionally, the study observed a statistically significant difference in corneal thickness between the nasal and temporal zones, with the nasal zone being thicker. It was also suggested that sex and fertility status may influence the incidence of PK and the severity of corneal pigmentation. Overall, these findings provide insight into the underlying causes of PK in Pugs and can inform future treatment strategies for this breed.

Improvement of tear ferning patterns of artificial tears using dilute electrolyte solutions

The purpose of the research was to examine how the addition of dilute solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), or a combination of the two would impact the tear ferning (TF) patterns in artificial tears. Artificial tears (1 μL) were mixed with solutions (1–7 μL) of NaCl, KCl, or both (10–30 mg), prepared in double-distilled water (100 mL), to produce homogenous mixtures. A sample (1 μL) of each mixture was dried on a microscopic glass slide at 20 °C and with less than 20% humidity. The TF patterns were inspected using a light microscope, graded, and compared with the corresponding TF grades of pure artificial tears. Significant improvements (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.001) in the TF grades of the artificial tears were observed after the addition of solutions of NaCl and KCl or a mixture of both. The TF grades of the artificial tears decreased after adding different volumes and concentrations of electrolyte solutions. Generally, NaCl was more efficient than KCl in improving such grades. The TF grades of Blink Contact Soothing Eye Drops and Refresh Plus Tears were noticeably improved compared to the other grades. For example, Blink Contact Soothing Eye Drops' TF grade improved from 1.7 to 0.6 when 6 μL of NaCl solution (30 mg/100 mL water) was added to 1 μL of the eye drops. When a mixture of NaCl and KCl (1:2; 5–7 μL; 30 mg each in 100 mL water) was added, the TF grade improved to 0.5. In conclusion, the TF test evaluated the effect of adding dilute electrolyte solutions to artificial tears in vitro. Adding dilute solutions of NaCl and KCl, or a mixture of both, significantly improved the TF grades of artificial tears.

Tacrolimus-Loaded Cationic Nanoemulsion In-Situ Gel System: In-Vitro Characterization and Performance in a Dry-Eye Rabbit Model

Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent ocular surface disease that affects life quality and reduces productivity at work. The purpose of this study is to improve the efficacy of tacrolimus (FK506) in the treatment of DED using the special eye surface retention properties of cationic nanoemulsion (CNE) modified by thermosensitive in-situ gel (ISG) (CNE-ISG). The precorneal retention of CNE-ISG containing 0.05% FK506 (50 min) was longer than that of CNE containing 0.05% FK506 (25 min) and commercial suspension containing 0.1% FK506 (Talymus®) (10 min). Successfully modeled dry-eye rabbits were treated with 0.05% CNE-ISG (twice/day), 0.05% CNE and 0.1% suspension (Talymus®) (thrice/day). Schirmer's tear secretion test showed no significant difference between the CNE-ISG group and the healthy group after 5 days of treatment (p > 0.05). The results of a tear ferning test (TFT) showed that the tear-fern-like crystal branches in the CNE-ISG group returned to normal after 5 days of treatment. Histological analysis showed that the number of goblet cells in the CNE-ISG group significantly increased. HET-CAM stimulation test showed that the CNE-ISG group had no ocular irritation. The above results indicated that CNE-ISG might be a promising delivery system and as an effective dosage form was employed for FK506 in the treatment of DED.

Diagnosis of Photokeratitis by Tear Ferning Using a Novel Set of SK Grading Criteria in a UVB-Induced Mouse Model.

Current ocular surface diagnostic methods may not totally meet and implement the clinical demands for early and precise treatments. The tear ferning (TF) test has been known as a quick, simple, and inexpensive procedure. This study aimed to validate the TF test as an alternative method for early determination of photokeratitis status. The tear sample was collected from the UVB-induced photokeratitis eyes and processed for TF formation. The TF patterns were graded by both the Masmali and a Sophie-Kevin (SK) grading criteria, a new set of criteria modified from the Masmali grading, for differential diagnoses. In addition, the TF test results were correlated with three clinical ocular surface indicators, including tear volume (TV), tear film break-up time (TBUT), and cornea staining, to evaluate the diagnostic capacity. Differential diagnosis between the normal and the photokeratitis status was achieved by the TF test. The SK grading reflected earlier photokeratitis status than the Masmali grading criteria. The TF results were strongly correlated with the three clinical ocular surface indicators, particularly for the TBUT and cornea staining. The TF test was proven to have a capacity to distinguish photokeratitis from the normal status at an early stage by using the SK grading criteria. It is therefore potentially useful for photokeratitis diagnosis in the clinical settings. The TF test may fulfill the demands of precise and early diagnosis to facilitate in time the intervention for photokeratitis.

Effect of Ginger Tea Consumption on the Tear Film Parameters in Subjects with Healthy and Dry Eyes

<i>Background</i>: To assess the tear film in normal and dry eye subjects after the consumption of hot ginger tea. <i>Methods</i>: Forty subjects (25 males and 15 females) aged 18–36 years (mean ± standard deviation = 23.5  5.2 years) were enrolled in the current study. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to the start of the research. Temperature and humidity were controlled during the measurement. Phenol red thread (PRT) test was performed first, followed by tear ferning (TF) and noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT) tests. A 10 min gap was allowed between tests. Measurements were obtained 30 min before the consumption of ginger tea and repeated 60 minutes after the drink. <i>Results</i>: TF grades increased for a majority of subjects (<I>N</I> = 34; 85%), remained unchanged for two subjects (5%), and decreased for four subjects (10%) after the consumption of hot ginger tea. NITBUT scores decreased for 31 subjects (77.5%), remained unchanged for 7 subjects (17.5%), and increased for two subjects (5%) after the drink. Mean TF scores were significantly (Wilcoxon test; <i>p</i> ˂ 0.001) higher after the consumption of ginger tea compared to those obtained before the drink. For the NITBUT test, the median score was significantly (Wilcoxon test; <i>p</i> ˂ 0.001) lower after the drink. No significant (Wilcoxon test; <i>p </i>= 0.623) difference was found between the median scores obtained from the PRT test before and after the consumption of ginger tea. Strong correlations were found between the scores obtained from the PRT (<i>r </i>= 0.978; <i>p </i> 0.001) and TF (<i>r </i>= 0.685; <i>p </i>= 0.001) tests before and after the consumption of a hot ginger drink. <i>Conclusion</i>: Consumption of ginger tea has a negative effect on the tear film and seems to reduce the quality of tears.

Effect of monovalent electrolyte solutions on the human tear ferning pattern.

To investigate the effect of the addition of a low concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) solutions on the tear ferning (TF) patterns of tears collected from humans. A tear sample (20 μL) was collected from the right eye of 23 males and 7 females (25.4 ± 6.6 years). The tears were collected in one sitting for healthy subjects (N = 13). For dry eye participants (N = 17), the tear samples were collected in two separate settings with five minutes gap in between. A sample (1 μL) from each tear was dried on a glass slide, and the obtained ferns were observed using a microscope and graded using the five-point TF grading scale. Mixtures of tear samples (0.5 μL) and different volumes (0.5-2.5 μL) of each electrolyte (10-30 mg in 100 mL of water) solution were prepared, and their TF patterns were recorded and compared with those of the corresponding pure tears. Significant improvements (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.001) have been seen in the TF grades of the tear samples after the addition of NaCl and KCl solutions. A significant difference (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.016) was found between the TF grades when NaCl and KCl solutions were added to the tear samples. The TF grades of pure tears collected from dry-eye subjects ranged from 2.1 to 3.5, based on the five points grading scale, and decreased to be in the range of 0.4 to 1.6 after the addition of electrolyte solutions. While the TF grades of pure tears collected from normal-eye ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 and improved after the addition of electrolyte solution to be in the range of 0.4 to 1.5. The TF test was used in vitro to assess the impact of the addition of a low concentration of sodium and potassium chloride solutions on tears collected from humans. The TF grades of human tears significantly improved after the addition of either sodium or potassium chloride solution. The mechanism for the improvement in TF grades due to the addition of electrolyte solutions must be investigated.

Clinical observation of recombinant human nerve growth factor in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis.

To characterize changes of corneal nerve morphology and tear indices in patients with neurotrophic keratitis (NK) treated with recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF). In a prospective observational study, six patients (nine eyes) were locally treated with rhNGF. Visual acuity, corneal fluorescein staining score, the heights of the tear river, lipid layer thickness (LLT), tear ferning (TF) test, conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) examination, the densities of cornea subbasal nerve fibers were determined before and after treatment. Compared with baseline, there was a significant difference in corneal fluorescence staining scores (P<0.01); all patient corneal epithelial defects recovered completely within 8wk, but there was no significant improvement in the height of the tear river (P=0.202). LLT was significantly increased when compared with baseline (P=0.042); however, the function of conjunctival goblet cells and mucin content did not significantly improve using the TF test and CIC examination (P=0.557, P=0.539). After 8wk of treatment, the average corneal subbasal nerve fiber density increased significantly (P<0.01), as did the number of corneal nerve fiber branches (P=0.001). RhNGF can increase the density of corneal subbasal nerve fibers, promote the healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects and corneal ulcers in patients with NK, also improving tear function partially.

Effect of surgical face mask wearing on tear film in women with a high body mass index.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a face mask has become an essential measure to reduce the rate of virus spreading. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of wearing a surgical face mask for a short period on the tear film parameters in subjects with a high body mass index (BMI). Twenty-five females with a high BMI (31.4 ± 5.5 kg/m2) aged 18-35 years (22.7 ± 4.6 years) participated in the study. In addition, a control group consisting of 25 females (23.0 ± 6.7 years) with a high BMI (29.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2) participated in the study in which no mask was worn. The standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) questionnaire was completed first, followed by the phenol red thread (PRT) and tear ferning (TF) tests, before wearing the face mask. The subjects wore the face mask for 1 hour, and the measurements were performed again immediately after its removal. For the control group, the measurements were performed twice with one hour gap. Significant (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05) differences were found between the SPEED scores (p = 0.035) and the PRT measurement (p = 0.042), before and after wearing the surgical face mask. The PRT scores have improved after wearing the surgical face mask, while the dry eye symptoms detected by the SPEED questionnaire have increased. On the other hand, no significant (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.201) differences were found between the TF grades before and after wearing a surgical face mask. For the control group, no significant (Wilcoxon test, p > 0.05) differences were found between the two scores from the SPEED questionnaire and the PRT, and TF tests. Wearing a surgical face mask for a short duration leads to a change in volume and quality of tears as well as dry eye symptoms in women with a high BMI.

Assessment of the Effect of Wearing a Surgical Face Mask on Tear Film in Normal Eye Subjects.

Purpose To assess the effect of wearing a face mask for a short time on the tear film parameters in normal eye subjects. Methods Fifty-four normal eye subjects (14 female and 40 male) aged 18–40 years (23.8 ± 4.4 years) were recruited. A standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness was completed first, followed by noninvasive tear break-up time, phenol red thread, and tear ferning tests. A 5-minute gap was allowed between the tests. The subjects were asked to wear a surgical mask for one hour. The measurements were taken both before wearing a face mask and immediately after its removal. Results Significant (Wilcoxon test) differences were found between the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (p=0.002) and the noninvasive tear break-up time scores (p < 0.001) before and after wearing face masks. No significant differences (Wilcoxon test, p > 0.05) were found between the phenol red thread scores and tear ferning grades before and after wearing face masks. Strong correlations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, r) were found among the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness score (r = 0.590; p < 0.001), noninvasive tear break-up time measurements (r = 0.631; p < 0.001), and the tear ferning grades (r = 0.517; p < 0.001) before and after wearing the mask. A medium correlation (r = 0.377; p=0.005) was found between the noninvasive tear break-up time scores and tear ferning grades before wearing the mask. Conclusions Wearing a surgical face mask for a short duration of one hour has an effect on ocular tear film in normal eye subjects. Dry eye symptoms and tear break-up increased after wearing a face mask compared with those experienced before wearing one.

The effects of microwave radiation generated by mobile phones on the tear film

Abstract Electromagnetic radiation (ER) emitted by mobile phones and other modern devices has potentially harmful effects on ocular tissue. Their effects on the eye surface and tear film are little known so far. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of ER emitted by the phone mobile on the tear film. For this study, we selected a total of 50 subjects, young, healthy, without chronic treatment, who are not contact lens wearers and who have no history of ophthalmic surgery. Schirmer I test, tear pH and tear ferning test (TFT) were performed on all subjects before (“-pre”) being exposed to ER emitted by the mobile phone and after (“-post”) exposure for 5 minutes, the pH and TFT of the tears were performed. Following the analysis of the obtained results, we found that there are significant changes in tear quality and increased tear pH, which over time can lead to tear film instability, damage to the eye surface and the appearance of dry eye syndrome.

Evaluation of the Significance of Tear Ferning Patterns in beta-Thalassemia Patients.

This study was designed to evaluate the tear film in beta-thalassemia patients using tear ferning (TF) and phenol red thread (PRT) tests. Forty beta-thalassemia patients, aged 18 - 38 years (25.7 ± 6.0 years), along with a control group of 40 age-matched subjects with healthy eyes completed the study. All subjects completed the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) first, followed by the TF and PRT tests with a 5-minute gap between the tests. Significant differences (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05) were observed between the beta-thalassemia and control groups in all scores. Among beta-thalassemia patients, OSDI scores indicated eye dryness in 35 subjects (87.5%). PRT showed dryness in 31 subjects (77.5%) in the right and left eyes, and the TF grades were ≥ 2 for the tears collected from 35 subjects (87.5%). There was a strong correlation (r = 0.851, p = 0.001) between the PRT measurements in the right and left eyes. There was a medium correlation between OSDI and TF scores (r = 0.309, p = 0.026) and between OSDI and age (r = 0.365, p = 0.010). Age had a moderate negative correlation (r = - 0.328, p = 0.019) with the PRT obtained from the right eye. Significant ocular dryness symptom was observed in beta-thalassemia patients, based on the scores collected from TF and PRT tests. Beta-thalassemia patients develop dry eyes, possibly due to several factors, including reduced tear secretion. Therefore, it is important to regularly evaluate both the quality and quantity of tears in patients with beta-thalassemia.

Analysis of Tear Ferning Patterns in Young Female Subjects with Refractive Errors.

To evaluate the dry eye symptoms and ocular tear film in young female subjects with refractive errors (RE) using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), phenol red thread (PRT) and tear ferning (TF) tests. Methods. A group of 50 young female subjects (mean ± standard division = 20.3 ± 1.1 years) with RE (−0.25 to −6.00D) completed the study. An age-matched control group consisting of 50 healthy normal eye female subjects (22.2 ± 1.5 years) was recruited for comparison. The OSDI was completed first, followed by PRT and TF tests. Results. Median OSDI and TF scores were significantly higher (Mann–Whitney test; P < 0.001) among the study group subjects [median (interquartile range (IQR)) = 13.5 (15.3) and 1.6 (1.3), respectively] compared to the control group [6.0 (4.0) and 0.9 (0.8), respectively], whereas the median PRT score was significantly lower (Mann–Whitney test; P=0.003) in the study group [(27.5 (6.3) mm] compared to the control group [29.5 (5.0) mm]. For subjects within the mild RE group (N = 30), significant differences (Mann–Whitney test, P < 0.001 to 0.005) were found between the median OSDI, PRT, and TF scores and those recorded within the control group. For the subjects with moderate RE (N = 20), significant differences (Mann–Whitney test, P < 0.001 to 0.002) were found between the median OSDI and TF scores, and those recorded within the control group. Conclusion. The presence of RE in young females has a negative effect on tear film in terms of dry eye symptoms, tear volume, and TF grades. Dry eye symptoms experienced by subjects with RE and the TF grades were significantly higher compared with the control group. In addition, the tear volume was significantly lower in the study group. Clearly, RE has a risk factor for dry eye.

Diagnostic value of three simple and rapid dry eye tests: Lid parallel conjunctival folds, tear meniscus height and tear ferning

Introduction/Objective. The objective of this paper was to assess the diagnostic value of three simple dry eye (DE) tests: lid parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), tear meniscus height (TMH), and tear ferning (TF). Methods. LIPCOF, TMH, and TF diagnostic DE tests were performed in 100 patients. Eighty of them were referred to us by rheumatologists and general practitioners either during evaluation for Sjogren?s syndrome, or because of DE symptoms. The control group was composed of 20 patients, with no DE-related symptoms. Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire was used for DE symptoms? evaluation. Results of LIPCOF, TMH, and TF tests were compared with results of the Copenhagen criteria DE tests i.e., tear fluorescein breakup time, Schirmer I and Rose Bengal tests. Ability of the tests to recognize DE in various grades according to Dry Eye Work Shop (DEWS) report score system was assessed. Results. Compared to the Copenhagen criteria, sensitivity of LIPCOF and TMH was high (92.8% and 83.5%, respectively), while specificity was low (34.4% and 49.2%, respectively). TF had low sensitivity (59.1%) but high specificity (82.7%). Mean values of both LIPCOF and TMH differed significantly (F = 7.222, p &lt; 0.001 and F = 11.802, p &lt; 0.001, respectively) between the control group and all DEWS grades, but not among different grades of DE. Conclusion. TMH and LIPCOF diagnostic tests showed high sensitivity, which makes them excellent screening DE tests. Low sensitivity of TF suggests that it is not truly a good screening test on its own, but its high specificity is of definite value.

Smartphone microscope in eye clinic to visualize fungus and Demodex

Purpose: Ophthalmologists often need to use a compound microscope to see slides of corneal scrapings, Demodex blepharitis, histopathology, or tear ferning test for diagnostic purposes. While such a microscope may be available in tertiary care centers, most eye clinics do not have it due to cost, space required, and infrequent use. These tests are often not done or delayed till a tertiary referral is possible. We demonstrate an alternative method using smartphone and an inexpensive attachment. Materials and Methods: Using the smartphone microscope attachment, the authors were able to capture excellent photographs and videos of corneal scrapings, histopathology, and Demodex. Photographs of the same slides were taken with a standard compound microscope as well. Trypan blue dye was used for staining the corneal scraping specimens to make the fungal hyphae in it clearly visible. Results: Photographs and videos captured by the smartphone microscope were compared with those from a compound microscope and found to be of adequate quality. They were determined to be good enough for diagnostic use. Conclusions: We determined that smartphone microscope attachment can be a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool for eye clinics corneal scrapings, histopathology, and Demodex, perhaps even for more applications.

Establishment of a Tear Ferning Test Protocol in the Mouse Model.

PurposeAnalysis of ferning formation after tear drop desiccation on a glass slide has been applied as a simple method to examine tear normality and is referred to as the tear ferning (TF) test. Despite use of the TF test in clinical settings and in some animals, thus far no TF test protocol has been developed for the mouse model. This study aimed to establish a mouse TF test protocol that can be used for dry eye research using the mouse as the study model.MethodsTear samples were collected from 24 healthy mice after repeated flushes with 2, 5, 10, or 20 µL wash solutions, either 0.9% NaCl saline or sterile water, on the ocular surface. After sample collection, TF tests were performed at variable drop volumes (2–20 µL), at a relative humidity of either 46% ± 2% or 53% ± 2%, and with temperature fixed at 24°C ± 2°C for comparison. Moreover, the influence of osmolarity (between 280 and 360 mOsm/L) and pH values (6.5–8.0) and the effect of centrifugation (4000 rpm, 10 minutes) on ferning formation were examined. Reproducibility and ferning storage stability were also determined.ResultsAn optimized protocol was established with relative humidity at 46% ± 2% and drop aliquot at 2 µL, using 0.9% NaCl saline as the wash solution. Using sterilized water as the wash solution did not result in any crystalloid formation. Centrifugation did not aid ferning formation in any of the samples. Higher osmolarity increased ferning formation from grades between 0 to 1 to grades between 2 to 3, but pH values that varied between 6.5 and 8.0 did not affect ferning formation. The established mouse TF test protocol also displayed reproducibility and storage stability.ConclusionsA TF test protocol for the mouse model was established that could be used for comparative analyses under various ocular surface disease conditions.Translational RelevanceThis mouse TF test protocol will facilitate the application of basic research into the mouse model to clinical care.

Assessment of Ocular Tear Film Stability in Subjects with High Total Cholesterol Levels

AbstractBackground: High cholesterol levels are known to cause multiple complications and the correlations between dry eye disease and high cholesterol levels can be used as an indicator of the need for urgent treatment to prevent severe ocular complications.Aim of Study: This study aimed to assess ocular tear film stability in subjects with high total cholesterol levels by using various dry eye diagnostic tests.Subjects and Methods: Twenty male subjects aged 19-43 years (32.5±7.3 years) with a high total cholesterol level (6.2±0.7mmol/L) and an age-matched control group of twenty male subjects (19-40 years; 31.1±4.6 years) with normal total cholesterol levels (3.9±0.6mmol/L) participated in the study. All subjects completed the ocular surface disease index assessment first, followed by the non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT) test. After 10 minutes, the tear meniscus time (TMH) test was performed followed by phenol red thread (PRT) and tear ferning (TF) tests, with a 10-minute gap between the tests.Results: The mean scores (p<0.05) in the NITBUT and TMH tests indicated a dry eye condition in the study group [7.5 (3.3) s and 0.15 (0.12) mm, respectively] and a normal eye condition in the control group [15.3 (4.1) s and 0.27 (0.06) mm, respectively]. The average score for the TF grade (p<0.05) showed eye dryness [2.2 (1.8)] in the study group and a normal eye condition in the control group [0.5 (1.5)]. The cholesterol level showed a medium correlation with age (r=0.473; p=0.035), a strong negative correlation with the PRT score (r=-0.524; p=0.018), and a strong correlation with the TF grade (r=0.530; p=0.016).Conclusion: The total cholesterol level significantly influences ocular tear film stability. Both tear quantity and quality decreased in subjects with high total cholesterol levels, which led to meibomian gland dysfunction and disturbances in lipid production and blood and oxygen supply to eye tissues, thereby causing dry eye symptoms.

Assessment of tear film in subjects with a high body mass index.

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess the tear film in subjects with a high body mass index (BMI).MethodsTwenty male subjects aged 23–42 years (mean ± standard deviation =31.3±5.7 years) with a high BMI [median (interquartile range) =31.8 (5.2) kg/m2] were recruited. An age-matched control group of twenty male subjects aged 22–38 years with a normal BMI [20.5 (2.8) kg/m2] also participated in the study.ResultsThere were significant (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test; P<0.05) differences in the BMI, non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), and tear ferning (TF) scores between the study and control groups. There were some differences in the ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), and phenol red thread (PRT) scores between the study and control groups, but these differences were not significant (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test; P>0.05). For the study group, the NITBUT and TF tests mean scores showed a dry eye condition (8.5±2.8 s and 2.0±1.1, respectively). However, these two tests showed a normal eye condition within the control group (14.7±2.8 s and 0.7±0.6, respectively). The TMH score had strong correlations with the NITBUT (r=0.711; P=0.001) and PRT scores (r=0.566; P=0.009) and strong negative correlations with age (r=–0.503; P=0.024) and the OSDI scores (r=–0.520; P=0.018). The TF score had a strong correlation with age (r=0.579; P=0.007) and strong negtive correlations with the scores from the NITBUT (r=–0.525; P=0.018), TMH (r=–0.575; P=0.008), and PRT (r=–0.773; P=0.001) tests.ConclusionThe acquired data suggest a high BMI has an effect on the quality of tears. The quality of tears seems to be lower in subjects with a high BMI compared with normal subjects. On the other hand, the tear volume in subjects with a high BMI was just as high and adequate as for normal eye subjects.

Prevalence of Dry Eye in Patients at the FESI Optometry Clinic, UNAM

Objetive: To report the prevalence of dry eye and to determine the differences between young and adult patients attending the Optometry Clinic of the Iztacala School of Higher Education at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). Material and methods: In 1957, patients between the ages of 15 and 65 assessed at the “Centro de Diagnóstico de Alteraciones deSuperficie Ocular” of the Iztacala School of Higher Education of UNAM between August 2016and August 2017. The patients answered the digital version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI) diagnostic questionnaire and the mucin arborization pattern was evaluated using the TearFerning Test (TFT). Results: The mean prevalence of the diagnosis with a significant differenceof positive P 0.05 for Ferning (59.1%) and OSDI (63.8%). Using the Ferning technique in youngpatients (15 to 29 years), it was possible to assess a prevalence of dry eye of 51.9%; whereas inadults (30 to 65 years) it was 66.9%. Using the OSDI questionnaire, the prevalence was 60.1% inyoung people and 67.8% in adults; in addition, for each year of increase in age, the probabilityof having a dry eye increased by 1% with OSDI and 2% with Ferning. Conclusions: With thisstudy, it was established, for the first time, that the young people who go to the optometry clinicof FES-Iztacala, a sector that had not been previously considered, also suffer from this disease.

Assessment of the tear film in normal eye subjects after consumption of a single dose of hot peppermint drink.

Objective: To test the effect of a single dose of hot peppermint consumption on the tear film in normal eye subjects.Methods: Thirty healthy male subjects aged 18–39 years (23.20±2.17 years) were enrolled. Also, an age-matched control group of 30 male subjects (19–39 years, 23.50±0.70 years) was enrolled to test the effect of the hot water. Tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), and tear ferning (TF) tests were performed for each patient 30 mins before and 60 mins after they drank hot peppermint.Results: Mean TMH measurements were higher postintervention (0.32±0.07) than preintervention (0.27±0.04 mm). Similarly, mean TF grades were significantly higher (2.07±1.20) postintervention than preintervention (0.84±0.71). By contrast, mean NITBUT was lower postintervention than preintervention (11.57±3.17 and 15.84±3.36, respectively). TMH measurements increased in 90% of the subjects. Conversely, NITBUT decreased in 96.7% of the subjects. For the control group that tests the effect of drinking hot water, the scores did not differ significantly in the three tests pre- and postintervention (P˂0.05). TF grades increased in 93.3% of the subjects, postintervention.Conclusion: Tear film quality decreases significantly after peppermint beverage consumption. A similar observation has been made on the consumption of hot green tea drink.