Comprehensive assessment of tear film dynamics in pediatric vernal keratoconjunctivitis using a novel non-invasive device (MYAH).

PURPOSE: To objectively evaluate tear film parameters in children diagnosed with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) using the MYAH device, and to compare the findings with those of healthy controls.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, case-control study included 45 children with clinically diagnosed VKC and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent non-invasive ocular surface assessment using the MYAH system. The evaluated parameters included non-invasive tear break-up time (NI-TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), blink rate, and ocular protection index (OPI). Correlations between tear film parameters and VKC severity scores were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the VKC group showed significantly lower values in NI-TBUT (5.2 ± 2.1 s vs. 12.8 ± 3.6 s, p < 0.001), TMH (0.18 ± 0.07 mm vs. 0.28 ± 0.05 mm, p < 0.001), blink rate (11 ± 5 vs. 17 ± 4 blinks/min, p = 0.002), and OPI (2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 6.8 ± 2.0, p < 0.001). NI-TBUT and TMH demonstrated moderate negative correlations with clinical severity scores (r = -0.62, p < 0.001 and r = -0.58, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Children with VKC exhibit significant alterations in tear film dynamics, even in the absence of visual acuity loss. The MYAH device offers a non-invasive, and pediatric-friendly approach for objectively assessing tear film stability and blink behavior. These parameters may serve as useful biomarkers for disease severity and monitoring in pediatric VKC.