Tear deficiency in Fuchs' intermediate uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess quantitatively and qualitatively tear secretion in Fuchs' intermediate (heterochromic) uveitis to detect any possible anomaly linked to Fuchs' uveitis.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
University eye clinic, Chieti, Italy.


METHODS
Thirty consecutive white patients aged 32 to 65 years with unilateral Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis.


METHODS
Results of Schirmer's test I, tear film breakup time, conjunctival mucus ferning.


RESULTS
Schirmer's test I showed a tear deficiency in 15 patients; the tear film breakup time and ferning were abnormal in these patients. There was a significant difference in the test results between the affected eyes and the fellow, unaffected eyes (p < 0.001). There was no relation between tear deficiency and age.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of tear anomalies only in the affected eye of patients with Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis suggests a link between Fuchs' uveitis and tear deficiency.
Mastropasqua
L
L
Institute of Ophthalmology, Università "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy.
Carpineto
P
P
Ciancaglini
M
M
Gallenga
P E
PE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013577:Syndrome; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D015867:Uveitis, Intermediate / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology