Correlation of lipid layer thickness measurements with fluorescein tear film break-up time and Schirmer's test

Abstract

Purpose This study correlates measurement of lipid layer thickness (LLT) with two frequently used dry eye tests, fluorescein break-up time (FBUT) and Schirmer's test with anaesthesia (STA). Methods Subjects (n ¼ 44 eyes) with symptoms of dry eye and positive results for dry eye with either FBUT or STA or both were selected. Quantification of LLT was performed by the observation of colour interference patterns in zones of specular reflection using a custom-designed instrument. Results All correlations among pairs of tests were strong and exhibited a significance of Po0.000: STA with FBUT, Pearson's correlation 0.653; STA with LLT, 0.764; FBUT with LLT, 0.751. When LLT was high, ie Z120 nm, which occurred in 14 eyes, STA was also elevated in those eyes and FBUT was high in 13 of the 14 eyes. When LLT was low, ie r60, which occurred in 22 eyes, STA was below normal in 14 of the 22 eyes, and FBUT was below normal in 15 of the 22 eyes. These clinical observations paralleled the statistical findings computed from the entire data set. Conclusions The correlations demonstrated in this study support the premise (1) that measurement of LLT is a reliable test for the diagnosis of dry eye, and (2) that aqueous deficiency and lipid deficiency, as they apply to dry eye disorders, are not mutually exclusive.

The real reason for having a meibomian lipid layer covering the outer surface of the tear film – A review

“…Nevertheless, one might reasonably expect that if the meibomian lipid blanket theory preventing evaporative loss were correct, then there might be some correlation between TBUT and the thickness of the lipid layer. Although Isreb et al (2003) could show a weak correlation between Schirmer's test and tear break up time using a fluorescence method, there was no correlation between Schirmer's test and lipid layer thickness and nor was there between tear break-up time and lipid layer thickness. Norn (1979) had a similar finding after comparing lipid layer thickness and stability of the pre-corneal tear film in 73 eyes: there was no correlation (his Fig.…”

Tear film lipid layer thickness and ocular comfort after meibomian therapy via latent heat with a novel device in normal subjects

“…1 Previous studies have also demonstrated correlation between LLT and two frequently used clinical tests, the tear film break-up time and Schirmer's test with anaesthesia. 7 In our study, subjects in Group I (who wore the activated device) manifested statistically significant thickening of the lipid layer compared with the other two groups. All patients who exhibited thickening of the LLT (75%) also experienced improvement in ocular comfort.…”

Ophthalmic parameters in adult Shih Tzu dogs

“…LIMA et al (2011) found significantly lower density of goblet cells in the conjunctiva of Shih Tzu dogs compared to those described by other authors. The low quantity of mucin-producing cells can influence how long it takes for the tear film to adhere to the epithelium of the cornea (ISREB et al, 2003). BUTT values did not follow the Gaussian distribution, although they displayed symmetry.…”