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Poor acuity linked to vision-related symptoms in dry eye
Poor visual acuity rather than contrast sensitivity promotes vision-related symptoms in dry eye, according to a recent study published in Optometry & Vision Science.
“Contrast sensitivity is a candidate because it is a sensitive indicator of visual function and ocular disease progression. However, although previous studies have shown that contrast sensitivity is a sensitive measure of the effects of dry eye on visual function, very few have assessed which particular clinical signs impact this measurement,” Szczotka-Flynn and colleagues wrote.
The researchers conducted a secondary cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study involving 487 participants (974 eyes). Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), high-contrast logMAR visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were some of the factors measured in the study.
The association between visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with OSDI score and each dry eye sign were assessed by using generalized linear models. The linear models included age, refractive error status and cataract status.
The results suggested that poor visual acuity was significantly associated with a poor mean score on the OSDI vision subscale (39.4 for visual acuity 20/32 or worse vs. 32.4 for visual acuity 20/16 or better; adjusted linear trend, P = .02). Severe meibomian gland plugging and abnormal secretions were found to be related to a poor mean log contrast sensitivity (1.48 for severe vs. 1.54 for not plugged [P =.04] and 1.49 for obstructed vs. 1.57 for clear [P = .002], respectively). In addition, longer tear breakup time was linked to better mean log contrast sensitivity (1.57 for tear breakup time greater than 5 seconds and 1.51 for tear breakup time 2 seconds or less, P < .0001).
“In conclusion, our study found that poorer visual acuity rather than worse contrast sensitivity drives visual symptoms and complaints in dry eye. However, contrast sensitivity measurements are more sensitive to worse tear film stability measures (such as tear breakup time and meibomian gland plugging) than standard visual acuity assessments,” Szczotka-Flynn and colleagues wrote. “Future studies that examine how specific ocular signs affect various measures of visual function would be helpful in elucidating these relationships and could, in turn, guide therapies.” – by Alexandria Brooks
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.