Strip meniscometry correlates with ocular surface tests and symptoms

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of dry eye disease (DED)–related signs and symptoms with two tear function tests. Methods: This was a clinic-based, cross-sectional study with recruitment of consec-utive participants. Schirmer test (ST), tear strip meniscometry (SM), and fluorescein tear breakup time were measured and corneal staining score was examined in outpa-tients at three clinics. Seven subjective symptoms were assessed by interview, includ-ing dryness, irritation, pain, lacrimation, fatigue, blurring, and photophobia. Statistical analyses included regression analysis and comparison tests. Results: The mean age of the 210 participants was 61.2 ± 15.2 years (range, 12–91 years), with 135 women (64.3%) in the cohort. The mean ST value was 12.9 ± 9.3 (0–35) mm, and SM was 2.5 ± 1.6 (0–10) mm, with no difference between women and men. SM values were lower in the presence of irritation (P = 0.046) and photophobia (P = 0.011). Regression analysis revealed ST and SM values were strongly correlated (β = 0.255, P < 0.001). SM was significantly correlated with breakup time (β = 0.149, P = 0.032), whereas there was no correlation between ST and DED-related signs and symptoms. Conclusions: SM was correlated with DED-related symptoms and breakup time, whereas ST was not. A low SM value could be an alternative clinical parameter to deter-mine tear film–oriented therapy. Translational Relevance: Tear strip meniscometry could be a useful tear function examination on a routine clinical basis since it is a 5-second noninvasive procedure and associated with subjective symptoms and the value of the conventional Schirmer test.