Post-Blink Blur Time-A Simple Test to Detect Dry Eye-Related Visual Disturbances.

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) stands out as one of the most common eye conditions encountered in clinical settings. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic ability and feasibility of post-blink blur time (PBBT) in detecting patients with DED symptoms. Methods: The study included 200 subjects, 100 with and 100 without DED symptoms defined by the Schein questionnaire, who underwent assessment of DED signs [visual acuity, PBBT, conjunctival hyperemia, lid-parallel conjunctival folds-LIPCOF, tear film break-up time-TBUT, fluorescein corneal staining, and meibum score]. Results: DED subjects had a lower PBBT than controls (p < 0.001), with subjective (6 (1-45) s vs. 8 (1-70) s) and objective (6 (2-33) s vs. 8 (2-50) s) PBBT measurements being similar between repeats. The correlations between subjective and objective PBBT measurements were significantly positive (R = 0.873, p < 0.001). Subjective PBBT was negatively related to the Schein questionnaire (R = -0.217, p = 0.002), conjunctival hyperemia (R = -0.105, p = 0.035), and corneal staining (R = -0.153, p = 0.031), while positively related to the TBUT (R = 0.382, p < 0.001) and meibum score (R = 0.106, p = 0.033). Logistic regression analysis showed DED symptoms were significantly associated with subjective PBBT (AOR 0.91, p = 0.001), TBUT (AOR 0.79, p < 0.001), meibum score (AOR 0.65, p = 0.008), LIPCOF (AOR 1.18, p = 0.002) and corneal staining (AOR 1.14, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Subjective self-reported PBBT is a reliable and non-invasive screening test for evaluating time-wise changes in visual acuity and detecting a tear film dysfunction.

Meibomian Gland Assessment in Routine Ophthalmology Practice.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the connection between meibomian gland (MG) excreta quantity and quality after MG expression (MGX), dry eye disease (DED) symptoms, and objective DED signs and to clarify the relationship between dry eye and MG function in DED pathophysiology. The study included 200 subjects, 100 with and 100 without dry eye symptoms. Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms and self-reported skin type for facial skin dryness self-evaluation. Objective dry eye signs were assessed by monitoring conjunctival hyperemia, lid parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein surface staining and digital MGX. Subjects with DED symptoms had significantly lower MG quantity scores than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Meibum quality and quantity scores significantly correlated with female gender (p = 0.002), Schein questionnaire score (p < 0.001), fluorescein corneal staining score (p = 0.019), self-reported skin type (p < 0.001), TBUT (p < 0.001) and LIPCOF (p = 0.041). After adjustment for age and gender in a logistic regression analysis, dry eye was independently and significantly associated with self-reported skin type (OR 0.73, p < 0.001), LIPCOF (OR 1.04, p < 0.001), fluorescein corneal staining (OR 1.05, p = 0.019), TBUT (OR 0.77, p < 0.001) and meibum quantity score (OR 0.59, p < 0.001). Dry eye symptoms and objective signs correlated well in this study. MGX discriminated between the subjects with and without DED symptoms and was associated with other objective DED signs. Results showed a significant association between meibum quality and quantity, MG function, DED and facial skin dryness self-perception. This paper established a correlation between dry eye symptoms caused by MG dysfunction and dry skin, which can help general health practitioners consider dry eye as a cause of chronic eye complaints with patients who report dry skin.

Dry eye and dry skin - is there a connection?

AIM: To enquire whether patients with dry eye symptoms also report dry skin, whether their perception could be corroborated with objective measurement, and whether dry eye disease might be suspected based on patients' complaints. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 50 subjects, 25 with and 25 without dry eye symptoms. Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms. Ocular signs were assessed by monitoring conjunctival hyperemia, ocular surface staining, meibomian gland expression, tear film lipid layer thickness, tear break-up time, lid parallel conjunctival folds, Schirmer test, and meibometry. Skin dryness was assessed by noting patients' self-perception of their facial skin dryness and measured by sebumeter. RESULTS: Subjects without dry eye symptoms had self-reported oilier facial skin than those with dry eye symptoms (p < .001). Sebumetry scores measured on the forehead and cheek were significantly higher in subjects without dry eye symptoms than dry eye subjects (p = .003). After adjustment for age and gender in a logistic regression analysis, dry eye was independently and significantly associated with dry skin (AOR 0.69, p = .040), higher LIPCOF score of both eyes (AOR 2.28, p = .028), lower sebumetry score of the forehead (AOR 0.98, p = .041) and cheek (AOR 0.98, p = .041), and shorter TBUT score after gland expression (AOR 0.90, p = .018). CONCLUSION: This study showed that ocular dryness was subjectively and objectively positively correlated to facial skin dryness. Patients reliably described their skin condition. People with dry facial skin also had drier eyes.

Pseudovitelliform maculopathy associated with hereditary hemochromatosis.

Background: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an inherited autosomal recessive iron metabolism disorder resulting from a C282Y mutation in the HFE gene. Mutations in the HFE gene may result in iron accumulation and oxidative stress in the retina, resulting in macular degeneration. This article describes two patients with HH who were treated with erythrocytapheresis or phlebotomy, with no exposure to deferoxamine or any other chelation therapy, and who developed visual symptoms. Case Presentation: Both patients had known diagnoses of HH. Because of visual symptoms, they were referred to the ophthalmology clinic and underwent a retinal exam, multimodal imaging, and electrodiagnostic studies, which revealed structural and functional degeneration of the central macula. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence revealed changes at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the central macula. In addition, optical coherence tomography revealed subfoveal accumulation of hyperreflective material at and below the RPE. Multifocal electroretinography confirmed a decreased cone response, whereas the full-field electroretinogram was unremarkable. Genetic testing ruled out Best's vitelliform macular dystrophy and the other known hereditary macular dystrophies. The patients had known diagnoses of HH, homozygous C282Y mutations in the HFE gene, and no comorbidities; thus, we presumed that HH led to the observed morphological and functional disorders of the RPE, which in turn caused structural macular changes in both patients. Conclusions: Considering the macular findings and the nature of the patients' primary illness, we believe that the accumulation of iron and photoreceptor metabolic products caused dysfunction in the RPE, which led to morphological and functional changes in the macula. Because the patients were not treated using chelating agents, we attribute the macular changes solely to iron accumulation and oxidative stress caused by the pathophysiological processes of HH. Further studies are needed to identify the plausible molecular or cellular insults underlying pseudovitelliform macular degeneration in patients with HH.

SUBCLINICAL OPTIC NEURITIS.

Acute optic neuritis is often associated with multiple sclerosis. It is considered to be the most common ocular symptom of multiple sclerosis. In addition to acute optic neuritis, in patients with multiple sclerosis, subclinical optic neuritis is also described. It is characterized by slow progression and bilateral involvement, thus being unnoticed by the patient. The purpose of the present study was to assess vision impairment in multiple sclerosis patients without a history of acute optic neuritis, using a number of functional tests including visual field testing by Octopus 101 perimetry N1 program, contrast sensitivity testing by Pelli Robson chart, and color vision by Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates. The study included 35 multiple sclerosis patients aged 18-50 years, without subjective signs of vision impairment and visual acuity 1.0 according to Snellen. Visual field defects were found in 28 patients. The most common defects of visual fields were retinal sensitivity depression in peripheral zone and nerve fiber bundle defect. Reduced contrast sensitivity was found in 30 (86%) patients. Study results indicated multiple sclerosis patients free from signs of optic neuritis to suffer vision function impairment, as demonstrated by Octopus perimetry and contrast sensitivity testing with Pelli Robson charts.

THE EFFECT OF PALPEBRAL FISSURE HEIGHT IN PRIMARY GAZE POSITION ON TEAR FILM STABILITY.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of palpebral fissure height in primary gaze position in healthy individuals on tear film stability. In this cross-sectional study, 120 subjects (60 male and female each) were enrolled and divided according to age into two groups, i.e., group 1 (aged 18-50 years) and group 2 (aged 51 and older). Palpebral fissure height on both eyes was measured in primary gaze position with a clear plastic ruler held in a central vertical position between the upper and lower lid margin, and the standard tear break-up time (TBUT) test was performed to evaluate tear film stability. Palpebral fissure height was significantly higher in younger than older subjects in all measurements on both eyes (p<0.001), and TBUT was shorter in older than in younger subjects. In all subjects included in the study, palpebral fissure height was not related to TBUT (p=0.589). However, analyzing the two age groups separately, a significant negative correlation was found between the palpebral fissure height and TBUT in both groups of younger (p<0.001) and older (p=0.009) subjects. In conclusion, an enlarged exposed ocular surface due to higher palpebral fissure height in healthy individual's primary gaze position negatively affects tear film stability expressed by TBUT.

BILATERAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY AND PIGMENTARY GLAUCOMA - WHAT IS THE ASSOCIATION?

We present a patient with concurrent pigmentary glaucoma, bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy and unilateral optic disc pit, and propose a possible association of these conditions. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination of a 36-year-old man who was complaining of blurry vision and pain in the eyes showed reduced visual acuity on the left eye, elevated intraocular pressure in the right eye, bilateral signs of pigment dispersion syndrome, and bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy, combined with optic disc pit in the left eye. Visual field and optical coherence tomography findings demonstrated functional and structural glaucoma changes. Choroidal circulation abnormalities were observed by angiographic methods. Genetic and developmental anomalies of the external layer of the optic disc cup that gives rise to many anterior and posterior eye segment structures suggest a possible association of a clinical condition characterized by the combination of pigmentary glaucoma, central serous chorioretinopathy and optic disc pit. Future research would enable to determine proper diagnostic protocols, treatment and follow-up procedures for this chronic-progressive disorder.

Manual interferometric device for routine non-invasive tear film break-up time assessment.

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) assessment using the Handheld tear lipid layer thickness assessment instrument and compare it with the standard tear break-up time (TBUT) test and other dry eye tests.Subjects and methods: 108 subjects were enrolled, 56 with and 52 without dry eye symptoms. Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms. Ocular signs were assessed by NIBUT, TBUT, lipid layer thickness (LLT), lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining.Results: Median NIBUT and TBUT, and other clinical test values significantly differed among the dry eye symptoms group and control group. NIBUT yielded the most significant difference between the groups (NIBUT: 7 sec vs. 17.5 sec, p < .001, Z = 5.94; TBUT: 5 sec vs. 10 sec, p < .001, Z = 4.38; LLT: p = .007; LIPCOF: p < .001, conjunctival hyperemia: p < .047, corneal staining: p < .010). Spearman's test showed a significant correlation between NIBUT and TBUT (p < .001), NIBUT and LLT (p = .001), NIBUT and LIPCOF (p = .019), NIBUT and conjunctival hyperemia (p = .002), and NIBUT and corneal staining (p = .012) in the dry eye symptoms group. NIBUT did not significantly differ among the three measurements in both groups of patients (p = .061, p = .096), while TBUT values did in the control group (p < .001). Short NIBUT values were the main predictors and indicators of dry eye complaints (AOR = 0.87, p < .001), superior to TBUT (AOR = 0.88, p = .008) and other tests even after adjustment for age and gender.Conclusion: NIBUT measured by Handheld instrument is a simple, accessible, practical, and, most of all, reproducible and objective method that might allow NIBUT assessment on a regular basis.

NONINVASIVE TEAR FILM BREAK-UP TIME ASSESSMENT USING HANDHELD LIPID LAYER EXAMINATION INSTRUMENT.

The aim was to determine feasibility and reliability of noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) assessment using handheld lipid layer examination instrument, and to compare it with standard tear break-up time (TBUT) test. Fifty patients were enrolled, 31 with and 19 without dry eye symptoms. Schein questionnaire was used to assess dry eye symptoms. During examination, three NIBUT measurements were performed on each eye using handheld instrument, followed by three TBUT measurements. Receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity, specificity and logistic regression analysis were generated. Median NIBUT values were significantly shorter in dry eye symptom group than in control group in all three measurements (9, 8 and 8 s vs. 21, 22 and 21 s; p<0.001). TBUT values showed no significant difference between the groups in the first measurement (p=0.053), but the values were significantly shorter in dry eye symptom group in second and third measurements (p=0.020). The cutoff value to distinguish patients with symptoms of dry eye from control group was 12 seconds for NIBUT and 8 seconds for TBUT, with NIBUT having significantly higher sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and positive predictive value. NIBUT, measured by handheld lipid layer examination instrument, was superior to TBUT in detecting dry eye.

Correction: Non-GVHD ocular complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation: expert review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and Transplant Complications Working Party of the EBMT.

In the original version of this article, author 'Aisha Al-Khinji' was incorrectly listed as 'Aisha Ahmed'. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article to 'Aisha Al-Khinji'.

Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Expert Review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in more than one-half of patients who develop chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), causing prolonged morbidity that affects activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of ocular GVHD in a collaboration between transplantation physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Recent updates in ocular GVHD regarding pathophysiology, preclinical models, risk factors, prevention, screening, diagnosis, response criteria, evaluation measures, and treatment are discussed. Ocular GVHD involves at least 3 biological processes: lacrimal gland dysfunction, meibomian gland dysfunction, and corneoconjunctival inflammation. Preclinical models have identified several novel pathogenic mechanisms, including the renin angiotensin system and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, which can be targeted by therapeutic agents. Numerous studies have identified reliable tests for establishing diagnosis and response assessment of ocular GVHD. The efficacy of systemic and topical treatment for ocular GVHD is summarized. It is important that all health professionals caring for HCT recipients have adequate knowledge of ocular GVHD to provide optimal care.

Non-Graft-versus-Host Disease Ocular Complications after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Expert Review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Non-graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) ocular complications are generally uncommon after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) but can cause prolonged morbidity affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of non-GVHD ocular complications in a collaboration between transplantation physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Complications discussed in this review include cataracts, glaucoma, ocular infections, ocular involvement with malignancy, ischemic microvascular retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment and ocular toxicities associated with medications. We summarize the incidence, risk factors, screening, prevention, and treatment of individual complications and generate evidence-based recommendations. Baseline ocular evaluation before HCT should be considered in all patients who undergo HCT. Follow-up evaluations should be considered according to clinical signs and symptoms and risk factors. Better preventive strategies and treatments remain to be investigated for individual ocular complications after HCT. Both transplantation physicians and ophthalmologists should be knowledgeable about non-GVHD ocular complications and provide comprehensive collaborative team care.

Ocular graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation: Expert review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and Transplant Complications Working Party of the EBMT.

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in more than half of patients who develop chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), causing prolonged morbidity, which affects activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of ocular GVHD in a collaboration between transplant physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Recent updates in ocular GVHD, regarding pathophysiology, preclinical models, risk factors, prevention, screening, diagnosis, response criteria, evaluation measures, and treatment are discussed in this review. Ocular GVHD has at least three biological processes: lacrimal gland dysfunction, meibomian gland dysfunction, and corneoconjunctival inflammation. Preclinical models have found several novel pathogenic mechanisms, including renin angiotensin system and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling that can be targeted by therapeutic agents. Many studies have identified reliable tests for establishing diagnosis and response assessment of ocular GVHD. Efficacy of systemic and topical treatment for ocular GVHD is summarized. It is important for all health professionals taking care of HCT recipients to have adequate knowledge of ocular GVHD for optimal care.

Non-GVHD ocular complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation: expert review from the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the CIBMTR and Transplant Complications Working Party of the EBMT.

Non-graft-vs.-host disease (non-GVHD) ocular complications are generally uncommon after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), but can cause prolonged morbidity affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Here we provide an expert review of non-GVHD ocular complications in a collaboration between transplant physicians and ophthalmologists through the Late Effects and Quality of Life Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Complications discussed in this review include cataracts, glaucoma, ocular infections, ocular involvement with malignancy, ischemic microvascular retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, retinal hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and ocular toxicities associated with medications. We have summarized incidence, risk factors, screening, prevention and treatment of individual complicastions and generated evidence-based recommendations. Baseline ocular evaluation before HCT should be considered in all patients who undergo HCT. Follow-up evaluations should be considered according to clinical symptoms, signs and risk factors. Better preventive strategies and treatments remain to be investigated for individual ocular complications after HCT. Both transplant physicians and ophthalmologists should be knowledgeable of non-GVHD ocular complications and provide comprehensive collaborative team care.

Ocular surface disease in pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Aim of the study is to determine connection between pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and symptoms and signs of ocular surface disease. Tear film break-up time test, Schirmer II test and assessment of lid parallel conjunctival folds were performed in 40 PEX syndrome patients and 40 controls. All data was statistically analyzed. Results show statistically significant difference in every component between groups, most prominent in tear film break up time test. We have concluded that patients with PEX syndrome have higher predisposition of tear function disorders and that both components of dry eye syndrome are present in PEX syndrome.

Contact lenses as the best conservative treatment of newly diagnosed keratoconus--epidemiological retrospective study.

Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory corneal ectasia characterized by thinning and weakening of the corneal stroma which results in its' protrusion. The onset is during puberty and progresses until the fourth decade of life. In earlier stages, good visual acuity can be provided with spectacles. With progression, contact lenses are considered to be a better therapy. Aim of this study was to determine if there is statistically significant difference between best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) obtained by spectacles and contact lenses in newly diagnosed keratoconus patients, as well as to determine which type of contact lenses provide better BCVA in keratoconus patients. We conducted a 5-year retrospective study of all 2891 patients attending our Contact Lens Department for the first time, searching for patients newly diagnosed with keratoconus. Data were obtained on gender, age, education level, treated eyes, corneal changes, keratoconus severity, BCVA with spectacles, contact lenses and best fitted contact lens type. All patients underwent standard ophthalmic exam, refractometry and keratometry have been done, followed by a spectacles correction and lens fitting. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results showed that of all 2891 patients examined for the first time, 137 patients (4.74%) have been newly diagnosed with heratoconus, there was male bias (72.26%), mean age 27.7 +/- 9.9 years. Most patients had high school education (51.11%), 3.70% had present corneal changes, 50.37% had mild heratoconus. Majority had keratoconus on both eyes (36.3%) or keratoconus of right eye (26.67%). There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between the BCVA obtained with contact lenses (0.82 +/- 0.21 Snellen chart) rather than spectacles (0.37 +/- 0.27 Snellen chart). The best corrected visual acuity was achieved with rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses in majority of kera- toconus eyes (51.85%), with semi-gas permeable (SGP) lenses in 43.39%, in 4.23% with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) lenses and with hard-soft gas permeable (GP) contact lenses in 0.53% of keratoconus eyes. We have showed that there is a statistically significant difference in BCVA achieved better with contact lenses than with spectacles. RGP lenses are most frequently used in conservative treatment of heratoconus, but SGP lenses were also shown to be a good option that gives equally satisfying final visual acuity with subjective comfortable feeling of contact lens wear.

Tear film status in glaucoma patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ocular surface disease symptoms and the state of the tear film among patients with glaucoma who are receiving topical intraocular pressure lowering monotherapy. 62 responders were divided in 2 groups: 32 glaucoma patients and 30 healthy individuals. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer 1 testing and ocular surface disease questionnaire were performed in both groups. 50% glaucoma patients and 25% control group participants had dry eye symptoms. Advanced disorder in TBUT was found in seven 21.9% glaucoma patients and was not found in the control group. Basal tear secretion measured by Schirmer 1 testing was found reduced in 87% of glaucoma patients and in 16.7% control group patients. Glaucoma patients on topical intraocular pressure lowering monotherapy showed a significantly higher prevalence of ocular surface disease symptoms, significantly reduced basal tear secretion and destabilisation of tear film in comparison with healthy volunteers.

Lens replacement habits in soft contact lens wearers.

The aim of this paper was to assess soft contact lens replacement habits of patients of Contact Lens Clinic, Zagreb University Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb, Croatia. During spring of 2010, a survey was conducted in Contact Lens Laboratory, Zagreb University Hospital Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb, Croatia. 47 completed surveys were collected and analyzed. The results of the survey have shown that the majority of soft contact lens wearers wear them longer than recommended by the manufacturer. It also showed that they eventually replace the lenses in regular intervals, indicating that they base their lens replacement on constant criteria. The main reasons for the eventual lens replacement were increased blur or discomfort while wearing lenses. Since it is obviously impossible to convince all lens wearers to replace their lenses as recommended by the manufacturer, it is up to the contact lens practitioners to find the way to reduce the risks of lens overwear. It may be achieved by introducing a method that will enable each soft contact lens wearer to choose an optimal lens replacement regimen without risking their eye health.