Evaluation of tear stability after surgery for conjunctivochalasis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for conjunctivochalasis using the Tear Film Stability Analysis System.

METHODS

Fifteen eyes of 15 patients (74.5 ± 4.8 years; 14 females and 1 male) who had surgical reconstruction of the tear meniscus for conjunctivochalasis underwent evaluation with a symptom questionnaire, Schirmer I test, fluorescein tear film break-up time (FBUT), and break-up time index (BUI) measurement by Tear Film Stability Analysis System examinations that were performed preoperatively and 3 months after the surgery. Changes of these tear parameters were statistically analyzed using the paired t test.

RESULTS

After the surgery, the mean FBUT and BUI values significantly improved from 5.7 ± 3.2 s and 42.8 ± 18.7, respectively, to 8.4 ± 2.5 s and 60.7 ± 16.5, respectively (FBUT, p = 0.0438; BUI, p = 0.0036). The mean Schirmer test value showed no significant changes before and after surgery (p = 0.9064). Fourteen eyes (93.3%) had improvement of ocular symptoms after surgery. One eye (6.7%) with no improvement of ocular symptoms, FBUT, and BUI after surgery appeared to have aqueous tear deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment for conjunctivochalasis was associated with improvement of tear stability and clinical dry eye symptoms.