Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The application and efficacy of video meniscometry in the evaluation of tear meniscus, especially in dry eye patients has already been reported. We devised a new and simple method of assessment and quantification of the tear film in the tear meniscus, which we named as " Capillary Meniscometry" and investigated the applicability and efficacy of this new method in the diagnosis of dry eye syndromes. Methods: We developed capillary meniscometry strips measuring 50mm x3mm which were made up of nitrocellulose, acetate and rayon mainly and had longitudinal ditches of 0.2mmx0.7 mm in width and length in the middle and natural blue color dye impregnated at the tip of the strips. 10 eyes of 10 dry eye patients ( 4 males, 6 females; mean age:44 years) as well as 10 eyes of 10 age and sex matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. The patients and the controls underwent capillary meniscometry measurement performed in 5 seconds, Schirmer test–1, tear film break up time as well as ocular surface vital staining with fluorescein and Rose Bengal dyes. Results: The mean CM score in the dry eye subjects was 0.294mL and the mean score in the controls was 1.35mL. The difference was significantly different (p<0.05). Capillary meniscometry scores seemed to be related to Schirmer test and ocular surface staining scores. Conclusions: Capillary meniscometry is a new, noninvasive and a swift method of quantifying the amount of tears accumulated in the tear meniscus, the basic principle of which is based on the" capillary tube effect". Capillary meniscometry seems to be a promising method in finding applications in the diagnosis of dry eyes.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cornea: epithelium