Effect of mild conjunctivitis complication on tear balance in dry eye.

Inflammation of the ocular surface influences the stability of tear fluid. Mild conjunctivitis is often associated with dry-eye patients. The effect of mild conjunctivitis complication on tear break-up time (BUT) in patients with dry eyes was investigated. A total of 93 patients with dry eyes, excluding those having moderate to severe conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, previous ocular surgery, or who use contact lenses, were divided into those with and without mild conjunctivitis, and the BUT was compared. Fifty-four cases were complicated by mild conjunctivitis, conjunctival papilla formation was observed in 40 of these, and the mean BUT was 3.54±1.02 s. The mean BUT in 39 patients without conjunctivitis was 3.41±1.04 s, showing no significant difference between the groups (p=0.56). Allergic conjunctivitis was frequently observed in patients with dry eyes, but the complication of mild conjunctivitis had no influence on BUT.