Tear Meniscus Imaging by Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography in Medically Controlled Glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Glaucoma treatment can lead to ocular surface disease.
• Anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is a valuable tool for imaging ocular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate tear meniscus characteristics in medically controlled glaucoma patients (MCGP) using AS-OCT.
• To compare tear meniscus parameters between MCGP, evaporative dry eye (EDE) patients, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• AS-OCT was used to measure tear meniscus height (TMH) and area (TMA) in 56 MCGP, 24 EDE patients, and 30 controls.
• MCGP were categorized by glaucoma medication: beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogs, or multiple drugs.
• Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time, corneal staining, and Schirmer Test I were also performed.

Main Results:

• Lower tear meniscus area (L-TMA) and height (L-TMH) were found in all MCGP groups and EDE patients compared to controls.
• L-TMA and L-TMH were significantly lower in patients using multiple glaucoma medications (group 3) and EDE patients compared to those using single-drug therapies.
• OSDI scores were higher in EDE patients and group 3, and negatively correlated with L-TMA and L-TMH.

Conclusions:

• AS-OCT provides noninvasive tear meniscus imaging in MCGP, revealing a dry eye disease-like condition.
• Reduced TMH and TMA can serve as structural indicators of ocular surface disease associated with glaucoma therapy.