The value of tear film breakup and Schirmer's tests in preoperative blepharoplasty evaluation.
The results of tear film breakup (BUT) and Schirmer's I and II tests were retrospectively analyzed on 146 patients undergoing elective blepharoplasty over a 41-month period. These tests were evaluated in conjunction with ocular history, orbital and periorbital anatomy, and Bell's phenomenon in order to determine their value, if any, in identifying patients at risk of developing a post-blepharoplasty dry eye complication. One-hundred and six patients (73 percent) had test results that were within normal limits, and two of these patients (1.9 percent) complained postoperatively of a transient gritty or burning sensation. Forty patients (27 percent) had abnormal results to one, two, or all three tests, and two of these patients (5 percent) also complained postoperatively of a transient gritty or burning sensation. These four symptomatic patients all had preoperative dry eye histories and abnormal orbital and periorbital anatomy. When analyzed alone, an abnormal tear film breakup (BUT) or Schirmer's test was not a good predictor of possible postblepharoplasty dry eye complications. An abnormal preoperative ocular history or abnormal orbital and periorbital anatomy proved to be the best predictor for the possible development of a postblepharoplasty dry eye complication.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.
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McKinney
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Zukowski
D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors