May 2003
Volume 44, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2003
Efficacy of Using a Blue-free Barrier Filter with Fluorescein Staining in Classifying the Degree of Damage of the Conjunctival Epithelium in Dry Eyes
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • H. Watanabe
    Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical Sch, Suita, Japan
  • S. Koh
    Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical Sch, Suita, Japan
  • Y. Hori
    Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical Sch, Suita, Japan
  • K. Nishida
    Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical Sch, Suita, Japan
  • N. Maeda
    Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical Sch, Suita, Japan
  • Y. Tano
    Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical Sch, Suita, Japan
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  H. Watanabe, None; S. Koh, None; Y. Hori, None; K. Nishida, None; N. Maeda, None; Y. Tano, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  #13671838 for Scientific Research from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Sports and Science
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2003, Vol.44, 2493. doi:
  • Views
  • Share
  • Tools
    • Alerts
      ×
      This feature is available to authenticated users only.
      Sign In or Create an Account ×
    • Get Citation

      H. Watanabe, S. Koh, Y. Hori, K. Nishida, N. Maeda, Y. Tano; Efficacy of Using a Blue-free Barrier Filter with Fluorescein Staining in Classifying the Degree of Damage of the Conjunctival Epithelium in Dry Eyes . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2003;44(13):2493.

      Download citation file:


      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

      ×
  • Supplements
Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To determine whether the use of a blue-free barrier filter to examine the fluorescein staining in the conjuctiva is valuable for the diagnosis of dry eyes. Methods: Forty-two eyes with Sjögren’s syndrome and 11 eyes with non-Sjögren dry eyes were studied. Fluorescein staining was performed on the temporal and nasal conjunctiva and the staining was scored into four grades (0 to 3) with a blue-free barrier filter (BF score) and without it (FL score). Rose bengal staining was also scored (RB score) with a similar scoring system. Results: For temporal or nasal site of the conjunctiva with FL scores of 0, 1, and 2, the BF scores were significantly higher at 0.85±0.37, 1.74±0.65, 20.65±0.48, respectively (Wilcoxon signed rank test: score 0, P= 0.031; score 1, P= 0.001; score 2, P= 0.001). In contrast, for conjunctiva with a FL score of 3, the BF score was the same at 3 at all sites. The higher BF score was found in 66.6% of conjunctiva with a FL score of 0 and 1, and 65.2% in cases with a FL score of 2. In cases with a RB score of 0, 1, and 2, the BF scores were significantly higher at 1.88±0.92, 1.78±0.79, 2.57±0.50, respectively (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P= 0.001 for each score). However, in cases with a RB score of 3, the BF score was 2.97±0.16 (P>0.05). The higher BF scores was found in 75.5% of cases with a RB score of 0 and 1, and 57.8% of cases with a RB score of 2, but only 2.6% with a RB score of 3. Conclusions: The use of a BF barrier filter during slit-lamp examination is of benefit in recognizing the damage of the conjunctival epithelium stained by fluorescein especially in mild to moderate dry eyes. Therefore, the BF filter system provides a better recognition of the damage in dry eyes even at the initial stage that cannot be found by conventional observational techniques.

Keywords: cornea: epithelium • conjunctiva • cornea: clinical science 
×
×

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

Sign in or purchase a subscription to access this content. ×

You must be signed into an individual account to use this feature.

×