Frequent association of delayed tear clearance in ocular irritation. Issue 6 (1st June 1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prabhasawat, Pinnita; Tseng, Scheffer C G
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 82:Issue 6(1998)
• Page Start: 666
• Page End: 675
• Publication Date: 1998-06-01
• Subjects: medicamentosa -- ocular irritation -- tear clearance -- tear turnover; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.82.6.666
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : AIM: To explore the pathogenic role of delayed tear clearance. METHODS: By comparing 10 patients with punctal obstruction and 20 asymptomatic normals, delayed tear clearance was diagnosed in 70 patients without apparent punctal obstruction using fluorescein clearance test. RESULTS: The majority were older (71.4 (SD 1.2) years) and women (66%). Frequent complaints included redness, itching, mucus discharge, and crusting, which tended to be worse upon awakening. Common associated problems were medicamentosa (13%), drug induced pseudo pemphigoid, ocular hypertension (27%), and glaucoma (7%). Topical non-preserved 1% methylprednisolone resulted in subjective (83%) and objective (80%) improvement and resolution of delayed tear clearance (87%). CONCLUSION: These results indicate strong association of delayed tear clearance with intrinsically and extrinsically generated ocular surface inflammation. The presence of delayed tear clearance may set up a vicious cycle to aggravate the existing inflammation. Future prospective studies are needed to delineate the pathogenic role of delayed tear clearance in various ocular surface disorders.