Improved Staining, Tear Film Breakup Time, and Dry Eye Severity Level Following a Six-Month Treatment of a Cohort of Dry Eye Patients in Norway

Abstract

 

Purpose

 

To assess the effectiveness of treating dry eye disease (DED) patients according to the guidelines reported by the International Dry Eye WorkShop (DEWS) 2007.

 

Methods

 

All patients with symptoms of DED who contacted the Norwegian Dry Eye Clinic, with or without a doctor’s referral, were consecutively included in the study. The ophthalmological work-up included assessment of e.g. staining and tear film breakup time (TFBUT) and staging of dry eye disease based on dry eye severity level (DESL) at months 0, 1, 3 and 6. Choice of treatment was based on the DESL, according to the International DEWS 2007. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures ANOVA.

 

Results

 

Twenty-nine patients (8 men/21 women) with DED of mixed etiologies were included. Patient demographics were as follows: 20 to 39 years (3 patients), 40 to 59 (10 patients), 60 to 79 (12 patients) and 80 to 99 (4 patients). Mean McMonnies and Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire scores prior to treatment were 14.5 ± 4.6 and 18.4 ± 10.0, respectively. Vital staining decreased from 3.1 ± 2.8 at month 0 to 1.4 ± 1.4 at month 6 (P<0.001). TFBUT increased from 4.2 ± 2.2 at month 0 to 7.0 ± 4.5 at month 6 (P<0.001). DESL decreased from 2.4 ± 0.5 at month 0 to 1.7 ± 0.6 at month 6 (P<0.001). The changes in these three measurements were independent of age (below or above 60 years) and gender.

 

Conclusions

 

Significant improvements on key parameters for assessing DED (staining and TFBUT) and DESL were obtained after a six-month treatment of a Norwegian cohort of DED patients. Treatment was effective irrespective of patient gender or age. The dry eye guidelines from DEWS 2007 are an effective treatment strategy for dry eye disease.

 

Keywords: 479 cornea: clinical science