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Published on: July 19, 2024
Tear osmolality and ferning patterns in postmenopausal women
Sruthi Srinivasan1, Elizabeth Joyce, Lyndon W Jones
1Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. s2sriniv@uwaterloo.ca
Summary
Postmenopausal women with dry eye symptoms have higher tear osmolality and altered tear ferning patterns compared to those without symptoms. Tear ferning is a simple, noninvasive test indicating changes in tear quality.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dry Eye Disease Research
Background:
- Postmenopausal women (PMW) are at increased risk for dry eye disease.
- Tear film abnormalities, including osmolality and ferning patterns, are key indicators of ocular surface health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare tear osmolality and ferning patterns in postmenopausal women with and without dry eye symptoms.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of tear ferning in identifying dry eye in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven healthy PMW (>50 years) were classified as symptomatic (dry eye) or asymptomatic using the Single-Item Score Dry Eye Questionnaire (SIDEQ) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI).
- Tear samples were analyzed for osmolality using a freezing point depression osmometer and for ferning patterns using the Rolando grading system.
Main Results:
- Symptomatic (dry eye) participants exhibited significantly higher OSDI scores and tear osmolality compared to asymptomatic (non-dry-eyed) participants (p < 0.02).
- Distinct tear ferning patterns were observed, with dry eye participants showing more type II and III patterns, while non-dry-eyed participants showed predominantly type I and II (p = 0.019).
- No significant correlation was found between tear osmolality and tear ferning patterns within either group.
Conclusions:
- Elevated tear osmolality and altered tear ferning patterns are characteristic of dry eye in postmenopausal women.
- Tear ferning serves as a rapid, simple, and noninvasive method to detect compromised tear quality in symptomatic postmenopausal women.
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