Evaluating of Tear Meniscus Parameters with Optical Coherent Tomography in Dry-Eye Patients

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in meniscus parameters with optical coherence tomography (OCT) after treatment and consider the correlation between the OCT parameters and dry-eye tests. Material and Method: Thirty-two dry-eye patients and 30 healthy individuals were included. Visual acuities, biomicroscopic evaluation, Schirmer-I test, tear-break-up time (T-BUT), and lower-tear meniscus parameters measured with OCT were evaluated. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) was performed. The measurements were repeated on the 10th day and 1st month of the treatment. Lower tear meniscus height (LTMH), depth (LTMD), area (LTMA) and α-angle were measured. The tear meniscus parameters of the dry-eye group were compared with the control group before treatment, and the correlation between the dry-eye tests and OCT measurements were evaluated. The change in the results of the dry-eye tests and OCT measurements with treatment were assessed. Results: There was statistically no significant difference between the age and gender of the patients in groups. Before treatment the mean Schirmer-I test, TBUT and OSDI scores were different. The LTMH and LTMA were higher in the control group. In the dry-eye group before treatment, there was a negative correlation between the OSDI score and OCT parameters, however, no meaningful correlation was observed between any other test and OCT parameters. Although there were no change in LTMD and α-angle with treatment, the 1st month values of LTMH and LTMA were significantly higher from the pre-treatment and 10th day values. Discussion: When diagnosing dry-eye, TBUT and OSDI scores were found to be more effective compared to Schirmer-I test for the diagnosis of dry eye. Although not adequate by itself, tear meniscus parameters measured with OCT, LTMH and LTMA, may be helpful for evaluating the efficacy of treatment, and the correlation of these two parameters with the OSDI score may increase the objectivity while questioning the symptoms. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2013; 43: 258-62