Title : Effect of artificial tears on K reading in patients with chronic dry eye disease
Abstract:
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of artificial tears on astigmatism and keratometric (K) readings in patients with chronic dry eye disease. Specifically, we sought to determine whether artificial tears improve astigmatism, the prevalence of astigmatism in chronic dry eye patients, and any changes in K readings after one month of artificial tear use.
Methodology: Patients presenting with dry eye symptoms from the rheumatology department and ophthalmology clinic were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were no previous use of artificial tears. Dry eye disease was diagnosed based on medical history, fluorescein tear film break-up time and fluorescein Schirmer test results. Additional assessments included ocular surface staining and assessment of meibomian gland function, including lid margin assessment and secretion expression. Baseline keratometry measurements were obtained using an automated refractor keratometer (A.R.M.) prior to the initiation of preservative-free artificial tear treatment administered four times daily. After one month of treatment, keratometry measurements were repeated to determine changes in astigmatism and corneal curvature.
Results: Preliminary results suggest a significant reduction in astigmatism severity and changes in K-readings after one month of artificial tear use. The prevalence of astigmatism in chronic dry eye patients was [percentage]. Improvements in tear film stability and meibomian gland function were observed and correlated with the changes in keratometry.
Conclusion: Artificial tears significantly influence astigmatism and K values in chronic dry eye patients by stabilising the tear film and improving corneal surface regularity. These findings highlight the role of artificial tears in optimising ocular surface conditions and keratometry-based assessments
