Abstract
Purpose: :
Studies have shown that environmental conditions influence the signs and symptoms of dry eye. The CAE model is a standardized model that exacerbates these signs and symptoms in dry eye patients. Adverse environmental conditions cause the tear film to lose stability and break apart in distinctive patterns. A clinical tool for determining these patterns is the TFBUP test. TFBUPs include spotting, linear, wispy, fractured, and amorphous blob. This study evaluates the effect of environmental conditions on TFBUP in dry eye patients.
Methods: :
99 patients diagnosed with dry eye underwent baseline (Pre-CAE) examinations including corneal and conjunctival staining, TFBUT, TFBUP, and injection. Patients were then exposed to the CAE for 2 hours. Post-CAE examinations were then conducted.
Results: :
Five distinct patterns were identified and given a descriptor based on their appearance. 53 % (104/198) of eyes tested changed pattern after CAE exposure.
Conclusions: :
Data in this study show that the CAE model alters tear film break-up pattern. The linear TFBUP was the most prevalent pattern observed after CAE exposure. The assessment of TFBUP may be useful in evaluating the effect of medical treatments on tear film stability and warrants future investigation.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cornea: clinical science