The application of a new continuous functional visual acuity measurement system in dry eye syndromes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a new continuous functional visual acuity measurement (FVAM) system for the assessment of dry eye patients.


METHODS
Prospective comparative study.


METHODS
Monocular recognition acuity measured continuously by the FVAM system during a 30-second blink-free period was defined as functional visual acuity (FVA). Examinations using the FVAM system were conducted in 35 eyes of 20 healthy controls and 19 eyes of 13 dry eye patients. Tear function examinations including the Schirmer test, tear film break-up time, and fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining were performed in all subjects. Functional visual acuity and tear functions were also examined before and after insertion of punctum plugs in dry eye patients. Functional visual acuity results at 10, 20, and 30 seconds were compared.


RESULTS
Functional visual acuity in dry eyes were significantly lower than control subjects at all time points (P < .05). Functional visual acuity after punctum plugs insertion improved significantly at all time points (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
FVAM system seemed not only to be an effective tool in the assessment of dynamic visual acuity changes in dry eye and normal subjects but in evaluating the outcome of management of dry eye disease by punctum plugs.
Ishida
Reiko
R
Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba 272-8513, Japan.
Kojima
Takashi
T
Dogru
Murat
M
Kaido
Minako
M
Matsumoto
Yukihiro
Y
Tanaka
Mari
M
Goto
Eiki
E
Tsubota
Kazuo
K
D000328:Adult; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014792:Visual Acuity