[Validation of a questionnaire for the diagnosis of dry eye].
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate a questionnaire for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with symptoms suggestive of eye surface pathology. To evaluate the efficacy of dry eye treatment.


METHODS
Samples were chosen among dry eye patients (n=44). A control group was chosen among the healthy population. The questionnaire was filled in at the beginning and end of the treatment with carbopol + polyvinyl alcohol (Siccafluid, Thea, Spain) four times a day. Initial and final punctuation was established and confronted with other classic diagnostic tests; fluorescein tear break up time, Schirmer test and Rose Bengal staining.


RESULTS
Red eyes, lid inflammation, discharge, dry eye, sandy and foreign body sensations, burning, itching, discomfort, pricking, tearing and photophobia got significantly better after treatment (p<0.05). Lid reddening, lid inflammation, flakes in lashes, sticky eyes in the morning, teary eyes, transitory blurring vision and heavy sensation didn't improve (p>0.05). Total punctuation was significantly reduced at one month of treatment (p<0.01). Validation of the test was done against other standard tests (Schirmer test and Rose Bengal). We found a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 71.5% for Schirmer test and a sensibility of 77% and specificity of 65% if gold standard was Rose Bengal. Predictive value (positive and negative), global value of the test and likelihood ratios were also assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
This questionnaire is useful for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with dry eyes and other ocular surface symptoms. Carbopol + polyvinyl alcohol is useful for the treatment of patients with secretor tear insufficiency.
Donate
J
J
Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, Unidad de Superficie e Inflamación ocular, Madrid, España. juan.donate@citelan.es
Benítez del Castillo
J M
JM
Fernández
C
C
García Sánchez
J
J
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D004338:Drug Combinations; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011145:Polyvinyls; C006912:carboxypolymethylene; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol