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Test helps identify conjunctivochalasis in stubborn dry eye cases
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 John A. Hovanesian |
KOLOA, Hawaii — A simple thumb test may help diagnose conjunctivochalasis in recalcitrant dry eye cases and result in a satisfied patient after surgical treatment, a speaker said here.
"Conjunctival chalasis is very easy to confuse with dry eye, and a simple thumb pressure test helps identify it," John A. Hovanesian, MD, said at Hawaiian Eye 2010.
While applying pressure to the lower outer eyelid with your thumb, have the patient move their eye up and down to identify the area of chemosis, Dr. Hovanesian said.
In a review of cases at his clinic, Dr. Hovanesian found eight patients who had a diagnosis of refractory dry eye who tested positive for conjunctivochalasis. He found that all patients were older than 50 years and had undergone previous ocular surgery. After a positive identification, all patients underwent an excision and amniotic membrane transplant with a fibrin tissue adhesive, and all patients had a complete resolution of symptoms.
"My take-home message today is to consider conjunctivochalasis in recalcitrant cases of 'dry eye,'" he said.
Hawaiian Eye and Retina 2011 will be held January 16-21, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Ka'anapali, Maui. Learn more at OSNHawaiianEye.com.