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Tear osmolarity provides data on level of ocular stress
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Abnormal osmolarity was found in 59% of 273 contact lens wearers in an observational study, according to a poster presented at the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting.
Researchers obtained details on the type of contact lens, replacement schedule and presence of common dry eye symptoms: itching, watering eyes, gritty feeling, tired eyes, light sensitivity, burning, redness, contact lens discomfort and fluctuation in vision for each subject.
Tear osmolarity was determined using the TearLab Osmolarity System (TearLab Corp., San Diego) and measured bilaterally with contact lenses in the eye for each subject.
Those with abnormal osmolarity had greater prevalence of visual fluctuation, burning sensation and redness than those with normal osmolarity, according to the results.
Contact lens wearers with abnormal osmolarity had a greater number of symptoms compared to those with normal osmolarity.
The researchers concluded that tear osmolarity provides quantitative data on the level of ocular stress, which can aid in early diagnosis and management of dry eye disease in contact lens wearers. – by Abigail Sutton
Reference:
Bowling E, et al. Prevalence of abnormal tear film quality and stability measured by abnormal tear osmolarity among contact lens wearers. Presented at: American Academy of Optometry; Anaheim, Calif.; Nov. 8-12, 2016.
Disclosure: Bowling reported no relevant financial disclosures. TearLab sponsored the study.