Evaluating Dry Eye Syndrome: The Correlations Of Phenol Red Thread Test, Tear Break Up Time, And Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaires.

Background: Many tests are commonly used to assess dry eye syndrome. However, their correlation is not always known. As the U.S. population ages, more people will suffer from dry eye symptoms each year. The purpose of this study is to explore the correlations of dry eye symptom surveys with a patient's tear break up time (TBUT) and phenol red thread test (PRTT) results.
Methods: The study involved 20 patients. Both male and females were included. Each patient was given an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire with scoring in several categories. Their tear break up time was measured with fluorescein dye and cobalt blue filtered light. Also, the patient's phenol red thread test values were measured. OSDI scores, tear break up time results, and phenol red thread test results were correlated.
Results: The study did not find statistically significant correlations among OSDI questionnaires, phenol red thread test values, and tear break up times. However, data trends did show that the patients in the study who had shorter tear break up times tended to have more severe OSDI scores. The relationship between OSDI severity and gender was statistically significant. Females recorded higher OSDI scores.
Conclusions: Dry eye disease is a commonly researched topic. Many authors have sought to find correlations among dry eye evaluations. While many studies struggle to find significant correlations among dry eye tests, the value in diagnosing and managing ocular surface disease for patients should not be undervalued.