Evaluation of strip meniscometry, tear meniscus height and depth in the diagnosis of dry eye disease in asian Indian eyes.

PURPOSE: Evaluate role of Strip Meniscometry (SMT) and lower tear meniscus [height (LTMH) & depth (LTMD)] in diagnosis of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and its comparison with TBUT.

METHODS

In a prospective observational cross-sectional study of 120 eyes [60 eyes of 30 DED (Group 1) & 60 eyes of 30 controls (Group 2)] TBUT, Schirmer's, SMT, LTMH and LTMD was done. Subjects >18 years diagnosed with DED (aqueous deficient) as per Tear film and Ocular surface society-Dry Eye Workshop (TFOS DEWS) II protocol and Ocular surface disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, with no associated systemic risk factor and previous ocular medical/surgical treatment were included as cases and subjects with no history of ocular surface disease as controls. The data was analyzed using t-test & receiver operating characteristic curve.

RESULTS

TBUT & Schirmer's values were significantly lower in group 1 (p < 0.05). SMT was 2.28 ± 1.28 (Range 0-6) & 8.11 ± 1.39 (Range 3-10) in group 1 & 2 respectively (p < 0.05). LTMH was 169.32 ± 29.84 μm (Range 85.78-209.11) and 234.41 ± 19.51 μm (Range 203.89-289.53) in Group 1 & 2 respectively (p < 0.05). LTMD was 144.32 ± 33.60 μm (Range 57.49-190.12) and 206.69 ± 14.17 μm (Range 187.12-251.50) in Group 1 & 2 respectively (p < 0.05). The SMT, LTMH and LTMD showed a cutoff value of < 5 mm (AUC 0.994, sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 96.7%), 204.96 μm (AUC 0.998, sensitivity 98.3%, specificity 96.7%) & 190 μm (AUC 0.995, sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 95%) respectively.

CONCLUSION

SMT, ASOCT, LTMD & LTMH are useful non invasive diagnostic tests for DED comparable with TBUT.