Evaluation of tear stability after surgery for conjunctivochalasis

Purpose.: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for conjunctivochalasis using the Tear Film Stability Analysis System. Methods.: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients (74.5 ± 4.8 years; 14 females and 1 male) who had surgical reconstruction of the tear meniscus for conjunctivochalasis underwent evaluation with a symptom questionnaire, Schirmer I test, fluorescein tear film break-up time (FBUT), and break-up time index (BUI) measurement by Tear Film Stability Analysis System examinations that were performed preoperatively and 3 months after the surgery. Changes of these tear parameters were statistically analyzed using the paired t test. Results.: After the surgery, the mean FBUT and BUI values significantly improved from 5.7 ± 3.2 s and 42.8 ± 18.7, respectively, to 8.4 ± 2.5 s and 60.7 ± 16.5, respectively (FBUT, p = 0.0438; BUI, p = 0.0036). The mean Schirmer test value showed no significant changes before and after surgery (p = 0.9064). Fourteen eyes (93.3%) had improvement of ocular symptoms after surgery. One eye (6.7%) with no improvement of ocular symptoms, FBUT, and BUI after surgery appeared to have aqueous tear deficiency. Conclusions.: Surgical treatment for conjunctivochalasis was associated with improvement of tear stability and clinical dry eye symptoms.