Characteristics and Utility of Fluorescein Breakup Patterns among Dry Eyes in Clinic-Based Settings

Chika Shigeyasu, Masakazu Yamada, Norihiko Yokoi, Motoko Kawashima, Kazuhisa Suwaki, Miki Uchino, Yoshimune Hiratsuka, Kazuo Tsubota

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

(1) Background: To evaluate the characteristics of fluorescein breakup patterns (FBUPs) among patients with dry eye disease (DED) and efficacy of FBUPs as a diagnostic test for DED subgroups. (2) Methods: The study enrolled 449 patients with DED. FBUPs were categorized as follows: area break (AB), line break (LB), spot break (SB), dimple break (DB), and random break (RB). Schirmer value, fluorescein breakup time (FBUT), keratoconjunctival score, DED subgroups and subjective symptoms were examined. (3) Results: LB patients presented with short FBUT and high keratoconjunctival score. AB patients presented with short FBUT, high cornea and keratoconjunctival scores. SB patients were young with short FBUT. DB patients exhibited low keratoconjunctival score. RB patients were young, with long FBUT and low keratoconjunctival scores. Among DED subgroups, LB and AB constituted 74.7% of aqueous-deficiency dry eye (ADDE). SB and DB constituted 42.4% of short FBUT dry eye (short FBUT-DE). Post-test probabilities and positive likelihood ratios for ADDE were 58.7% and 1.63, respectively; those for short FBUT-DE were 46.3% and 2.02, respectively. Patients with SB and AB exhibited significantly severe subjective symptoms than other FBUPs. (4) Conclusions: FBUPs are associated with both objective findings and symptoms of DED and may be a clinical tool for identification of DED subgroups.

Original languageEnglish
Article number711
JournalDiagnostics
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Sept

Keywords

  • Clinical study
  • Dry eye
  • Fluorescein breakup pattern
  • Tear film breakup time

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Biochemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characteristics and Utility of Fluorescein Breakup Patterns among Dry Eyes in Clinic-Based Settings'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this