Purpose
To compare dry eye symptoms and signs in patients who tested positive, versus those tested negative for ocular surface matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) detection using the InflammaDry point of care test (RPS, Tampa, FL).
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, individuals with dry eye symptoms, as evidenced by dry eye questionnaire 5 (DEQ5) seen in the Miami Veterans Affairs eye clinic, were given standardized questionnaires to assess dry eye symptoms and ocular and non-ocular pain complaints. A complete evaluation was conducted to measure ocular surface signs of dry eye. MMP-9 testing was performed using the InflammaDry once in each eye, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Our main outcome measure was the comparison of dry eye symptoms and signs in MMP-9 positive versus negative patients.
Results
Of the 56 total patients, 46% were positive for MMP-9 by InflammaDry testing in either eye. No statistically significant differences in demographics, co-morbidities, medications, psychiatric status, ocular surface symptoms and signs of dry eye were seen in patients based on MMP-9 detection status.
Conclusions
In our population, there was no difference in the profile of dry eye, in both symptoms and signs, between those testing positive versus negative for elevated levels of MMP-9 on the ocular surface.