Diagnostic value of tear films tests in type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the diagnostic value of Schirmer's tests, Rose Bengal test, and Tear Film Breakup Time test in patients with type 2 Diabetes.


METHODS
Two hundred eyes of 100 patients were seen at the department of ophthalmology, Baqai Medical University Hospital who presented with complaints of redness and burning sensation and were aged between 45 to 75 years. Any history of systemic illness was recorded such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. All subjects underwent routine ophthalmic examination and tear film tests such as Schirmer's test, Rose Bengal test and tear film break up time test.


RESULTS
Total numbers of eyes subjected to Tear Film Tests were 200, of which 92 (46.0%) belonged to patients with type 2 Diabetes. Schirmer's test was positive in 56 (60.86%) eyes of Rose Bengal test was positive in 80 (86.95%) eyes and Tear film break up time test was positive in 50 (54.34%) eyes. Among non diabetics Schirmer's test was positive in 30 (68.18%) eyes, Rose Bengal test was positive in 10 (22.72%) eyes and tear film break up time test was positive in 24 (54.54%) eyes.


CONCLUSIONS
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is another manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus. The ocular surface disease could be confirmed by performing multiple tear film tests. Among these tests Schirmer's test and Rose Bengal test have more diagnostic value in patients with type 2 diabetes as compared to Tear Film Break-up time test.
Rahman
Atiya
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi.
Yahya
Kamran
K
Ahmed
Tabussum
T
Sharif-Ul-Hasan
Khwaja
K
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007638:Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan; D012307:Risk Factors; D013666:Tears