The Influence of Fluorescein Concentration on the Tear Film Break-Up Time(BUT)

ABSTRACT

The Tear Film Break-Up Time(BUT) in the diagnosis of the dry eye syndrome was widely used, but its results were variable according to the methods of measuring BUTs. Especially, the method of Fluorescein administration and concentration had a great influence on BUT. The purpose of this study was to standardize the method used in measurement of BUT, particularly fluorescein solution concentration. We measured BUT in seven groups of different fluorescein solution concentration and total subjects were 464 persons. The results were as follows; 1. The mean BUT was 14.24 +/- 2.04 seconds in 0.12% Fluorescein solution, 11.73 +/- 2.11 seconds in 0.25% solution, 11.34 +/- 3.00 seconds in 0.5% solution, 10.3 +/- 3.50 seconds in 1% solution, 9.59 +/- 2.74 seconds in 2% solution, 7.56 +/- 1.84 seconds in 5% solution and 5.55 +/- 1.20 seconds in 8% solution. 2. The more Fluorescein concentration was, the shorter BUT became and there were statistically significant decrease in 0.25%, 0.5% and 2% Fluorescein solution.