Strip Meniscometry Correlates With Ocular Surface Tests and Symptoms

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Tear Film Research
• Dry Eye Disease Diagnostics

Background:

• Dry eye disease (DED) significantly impacts quality of life.
• Accurate assessment of tear function is crucial for effective DED management.
• Existing diagnostic methods like the Schirmer test (ST) have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between DED-related signs and symptoms and two tear function tests: Schirmer test (ST) and tear strip meniscometry (SM).
• To evaluate the clinical utility of SM in comparison to ST for DED assessment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 210 outpatients.
• Measurements included Schirmer test (ST), tear strip meniscometry (SM), fluorescein tear breakup time, and corneal staining.
• Seven subjective DED symptoms were assessed via interview.

Main Results:

• Tear strip meniscometry (SM) values correlated with DED-related symptoms (irritation, photophobia) and tear breakup time.
• Schirmer test (ST) values did not show significant correlation with DED signs and symptoms.
• ST and SM values were strongly correlated with each other.

Conclusions:

• Tear strip meniscometry (SM) is a useful, noninvasive test associated with DED symptoms and tear film quality.
• SM may serve as a valuable alternative or complementary parameter for guiding tear film-oriented therapy in DED patients.
• SM's quick, noninvasive nature makes it suitable for routine clinical use.