E I Pearce1, B P Keenan, C McRory. 1. Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, United Kingdom. Eipe@gcal.ac.uk
Abstract
PURPOSE: Scanning fluorophotometry is considered the "gold standard" to determine tear turnover rates (TTR). In this study, we attempted to improve the precision of basal TTR by fluorophotometry through a number of methodological changes. METHODS: By means of a timer program that produces audio cues, a new methodology that ensures confluence and a constant thickness of the tear film and minimization of reflex lacrimation as a result of the inhibition of the blink reflex was developed. This was compared with the standard protocol, both in a paired study and by a review of unpaired data. The minimum length of time required to monitor TTR measurements was also investigated. RESULTS: A significant improvement in correlation coefficient (r) of the log decay curve was observed as a result of changes in the protocol in both the paired (p = 0.016) and unpaired study (p < 0.0001). We determined that it was sufficient to monitor TTR for 10 min to obtain accurate results. CONCLUSIONS: We advocate that the changes be adopted as widely as possible for the precise and rapid measurement of basal tear turnover rates.
PURPOSE: Scanning fluorophotometry is considered the "gold standard" to determine tear turnover rates (TTR). In this study, we attempted to improve the precision of basal TTR by fluorophotometry through a number of methodological changes. METHODS: By means of a timer program that produces audio cues, a new methodology that ensures confluence and a constant thickness of the tear film and minimization of reflex lacrimation as a result of the inhibition of the blink reflex was developed. This was compared with the standard protocol, both in a paired study and by a review of unpaired data. The minimum length of time required to monitor TTR measurements was also investigated. RESULTS: A significant improvement in correlation coefficient (r) of the log decay curve was observed as a result of changes in the protocol in both the paired (p = 0.016) and unpaired study (p < 0.0001). We determined that it was sufficient to monitor TTR for 10 min to obtain accurate results. CONCLUSIONS: We advocate that the changes be adopted as widely as possible for the precise and rapid measurement of basal tear turnover rates.
Authors: Kelsea V Skidmore; Maria K Walker; Jason D Marsack; Jan P G Bergmanson; William L Miller Journal: Cont Lens Anterior Eye Date: 2018-11-16 Impact factor: 3.077