Ocular findings in children with chronic renal failure

The purpose of this study was to describe the ocular findings in children with chronic renal failure (CRF).

Nineteen children with CRF and 19 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated. Schirmer and tear film break-up time (TBUT) tests were performed in addition to complete ophthalmologic examination. The presence of dry eye symptoms was noted. Relation between TBUT and Schirmer test results and CRF-related variables such as duration of CRF; dialysis status; and serum calcium, phosphorus, urea, and creatinine levels was evaluated. Student t test and rank correlation test were used for statistical analysis.

Dry eye symptoms were detected in 15.8% of children with CRF, against none of the controls (chi(2) = 3.25, P = 0.23). TBUT and Schirmer test results were significantly lower in the study group than in the controls (t = 27.8, P = 0.032 and t = 36.5, P = 0.025, respectively). Within the study group, a negative correlation was found between TBUT and Schirmer test results and the duration of CRF (R = 0.769, Z = 2.234, P < or = 0.022 and R = 0.832, Z = 2.351, P < or = 0.019, respectively). No relation was detected between the TBUT and Schirmer test results and the dialysis status and serum calcium, phosphorus, urea, and creatinine levels in the study group.

The basal tear secretion and tear film stability are lower, and the dry eye symptoms are more common among the children with CRF. The duration of CRF seems to be related with the disturbances in tear secretion and tear film stability.