Blinking tolerance time as an additional diagnostic examination of dry eye disease in meibomian gland dysfunction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common causes of ocular surface disorders. Several tests are available to evaluate patients with suspected DED, especially meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This study aimed to evaluate the use of blinking tolerance time (BTT) in patients with MGD as an additional diagnostic test for DED.METHODS: The study was conducted with a quantitative correlational design. A total of 60 patients with DED as a result of mild to severe MGD were recruited. The BTT, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescence test using the Oxford Grading Scheme, Schirmer I test, and the quality and expressibility of the meibomian glands were conducted. The mean BTT was calculated based on the degree of DED. The BTT was then analyzed using the Spearman correlation test.RESULTS: The BTT score showed a statistically significant relationship with the OSDI score and the degree of MGD. However, the BTT showed no relationship with the fluorescence test, Schirmer test, or TBUT degree. A significant correlation existed between the BTT value and the TBUT value at the level of 0.01 (2-tailed).CONCLUSIONS: BTT can be used as a diagnostic test and status control of DED in MGD patients. This can be done by the ophthalmologist or independently by the patient.

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