Measurements of Tear Evaporation Rate in Subjects with Refractive Errors Using a Portable Evaporimeter

Abstract

Dry eye symptoms are associated with refractive errors. We aimed to measure the tear evaporation rate (TER) in subjects with refractive errors (RE) using a portable evaporimeter. This nonrandomized, case–control, and observational study included 75 subjects, including 25 subjects aged 18–38 years (28.8 ± 6.8 years) with myopia (−0.75 to −3.75 D) and 25 subjects aged 18–39 years (27.7 ± 5.5 years) with hyperopia (+0.50 to +3.75 D). In addition, a control group of 25 subjects with emmetropic eyes aged 20–30 years (23.6 ± 2.6 years) was recruited. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was completed, followed by the TER measurements using a portable evaporimeter. The OSDI score and TER measurements showed dry eye symptoms in 36% and 48% of myopic subjects, respectively. For hyperopic participants, dry eye was observed in 24% and 56% of the subjects based on the OSDI and TER scores, respectively. Significant differences (Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.001) were found among the OSDI and TER scores recorded within the study (myopic and hyperopic subjects) and control groups. Significant strong positive correlations were detected between the OSDI and TER scores in both myopic (p = 0.004; r = 0.559) and hyperopic (p = 0.001; r = 0.619) subjects. The TER scores were significantly higher in subjects with RE (myopic and hyperopic) as compared with individuals with normal eyes.

Assessment of Tear Osmolarity in Smokers Using TearLab and I-Pen Systems

“…As such, the association between dry eye and smoking has been clearly established. The median OSDI score in the current study was comparable to those reported for smokers and subjects with a high body mass index [ 18 , 47 ], but lower compared with the OSDI scores for subjects with diabetes and refractive errors [ 48 – 50 ].…”

Correlation between osmolarity measurements using the TearLab™ and I-Pen® systems in subjects with a high body mass index

“…[39][40][41] For the study group, the median OSDI score (median 8.0 (IQR 6.8)) was comparable to smokers (median 8.3 (IQR 16.2)) 39 and lower than for subjects with high BMI (median 10.2 (IQR 16.4)), 39 diabetes (median 12.0 (IQR 8.3)), 40 myopia (median 11.0 (IQR 7.5)), 41 and hyperopia (median 10.0 (IQR 33.5)). 41 As reported in a study by Alanazi et al, in subjects with high BMI, there were strong correlations between age and OSDI scores (r = 0.522; p = 0.018), tear meniscus height (TMH) measurements (r =-0.503; p = 0.024) and tear ferning (TF) grades (r = 0.579; p = 0.007). 35 The noninvasive tear break-up time had strong negative correlations with the TMH (r = -0.520; p = 0.008) and phenol red thread (PRT) scores (r = -0.498; p = 0.029).…”

Assessment of tear film parameters in females with refractive errors using a single device: an observational study

“…4 The diagnosis of dry eye is complex since several tests are needed to assess different parameters of the tear film. 5,6 Recently, a single noninvasive device (e.g. EASYTEAR View+) was used to assess dry eye.…”