Optimal methodology for lid wiper epitheliopathy identification

Investigating the Effect of Reducing the Signs and Symptoms of Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy in Patients With Dry Eye Disease With Perfluorohexyloctane

Background

Perfluorohexyloctane (PFHO) acts to prevent the evaporation of the tear film. It has the potential to limit friction related issues between the eye lid margin and the ocular surface. Prior to the present work, this had not yet been evaluated.

Objective

To examine the potential of using perfluorohexyloctane for reducing the signs and symptoms of lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE).

Methods

Data were collected at 4 visits spanning 2 months. Patients who had symptomatic dry eye and a LWE score of ≥1.0 on the Korb LWE scale were recruited. Participants were randomized to PFHO 4 times a day or no treatment. Lid wiper epitheliopathy was graded at each visit with the Korb and photographic LWE (PLWE) scales. Symptoms were assessed using the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness questionnaire and visual analog scales (0-100).

Results

A total of 52 participants were enrolled (mean ± SD age, 49.7 ± 15.7 years; 79% female). Right eyes in the treatment group were significantly more likely to show an improvement of ≥0.5-units in PLWE scores at 2 months than the no treatment group (P = 0.04), but no left eye differences were noted. Korb and PLWE scores were significantly better in the treatment group compared with the no treatment group starting at 2 weeks and remained so for the duration of the study (all P < 0.001). Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness scores and dry eye symptoms were significantly better in the treatment than in the no treatment group at the 2-month visit (all P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions

Perfluorohexyloctane significantly reduced LWE and improved dry eye symptoms compared with no treatment, suggesting that PFHO may enhance ocular lubrication and reduce friction-related damage. Masked, randomized, trials are still needed to compare PFHO to other treatments in participants with LWE to support generalizability of results. ClinicalTrials.gov study NCT06671041.

A Comparison of Physical Characteristics in Different Brands and Staining Techniques in a Brand of Lissamine Green Strips

Backgrounds/Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare differences in the physical characteristics of lissamine green (LG) strips and the outcomes of using different staining techniques. Methods: Two separate complementary investigations were conducted. Physical study: Differences between four LG strips were evaluated in terms of material, dye concentration, and dye absorption. In vivo study: Bulbar conjunctival staining was compared for four application methods of I-DEW LG strips presented in a randomized order for twenty-two participants: (1) single application 5 s after wetting (also repeated using GreenGlo for comparison), (2) single application using two strips held together, 5 s after wetting, (3) two applications using a single LG strip 5 s after wetting, 1 minute apart, (4) the same as method 3, with a single fluorescein strip in between LG applications. White light imaging was performed immediately following application and after 30, 60, 90, and 300 s. Three masked practitioners independently evaluated the randomized staining images for spot count and staining intensity. Results: Physical study: Strip paper fibres demonstrated visible similarities, with no difference in saline absorption (p > 0.05). LG concentration increased as saline retention duration increased (F = 964.1, p < 0.001), and GreenGlo tips were significantly darker (F = 2775.2, p < 0.001). In vivo study: I-DEW application resulted in less conjunctival staining than GreenGlo (p < 0.001). Amongst I-DEW application techniques, staining levels were similar (p > 0.05); however, staining intensity was significantly higher following two applications of I-DEW, 1 min apart, compared to a single application (p = 0.042). Both spot count and staining intensity decreased with time (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Two applications of I-DEW using a single strip, 1 min apart, after wetting with a single drop of saline provided maximal staining. There was also a significant difference in staining intensity observed between LG products.

Lid wiper epitheliopathy: Topical review of current identification strategies and future perspectives

Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy (LWE) is a recognized ocular condition affecting visual quality and ocular comfort, characterized by the damage of the marginal conjunctiva of the upper eyelid. This review critically examines the current strategies for LWE identification and explores the multifactorial etiology of LWE and its association with various ocular surface diseases. A literature review conducted on PubMed identified 67 relevant studies, which were analyzed to enhance understanding of LWE's diagnostic criteria and its clinical implications, offering future perspectives on improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. The association between LWE and contact lens-related discomfort is examined, with studies reporting conflicting findings regarding its prevalence and severity among soft contact lens wearers. Moreover, LWE has been linked to tear film abnormalities, altered tear composition, and eyelid margin abnormalities in non-contact lens wearers, further complicating diagnosis and management. Current LWE grading systems, including subjective methods and semi-objective approaches, are reviewed, highlighting challenges such as subjectivity, complexity, and variability. Recent advances in LWE grading, including semi-automated methods and photographic scales, show promise but face implementation challenges in clinical settings. The review concludes by proposing areas for further research, including investigating factors contributing to LWE onset and development, developing more sensitive diagnostic tools, and exploring the impact of LWE on ocular surface health and visual function. Standardization, validation, and innovation in grading systems are emphasized to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve clinical outcomes for patients with LWE. Ongoing research in LWE grading is essential for addressing diagnostic challenges and optimizing assessment methodologies in clinical practice.

The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on lid wiper epitheliopathy and ocular surface parameters

Introduction

This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM) and its duration on indicators such as lid wiper epitheliopathy(LWE), and to assess the significance of LWE for early diagnosis of dry eye disease(DED) in DM patients.

Methods

A total of 137 subjects with ocular surface disease index(OSDI) score ≥13 were divided into the non-DM group, the short-term DM group (duration <5 years), and the mid-to-long-term DM group(duration ≥5 years). Evaluations were conducted for LWE, OSDI, lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blinking rate (PBR), fluorescein tear breakup time (FTBUT), corneal fluorescein staining score (CFS), eyelid margin score, and meibomian gland dropout (MGd).

Results

The upper-LWE score and total LWE score in the mid-to-long-term group were higher than those in the non-DM group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.031, respectively). The lower-LWE scores were more severe than upper-LWE scores in the non-DM and short-term groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively).The confirmed diagnosis rate of DEWSII dry eye with LWE as the primary diagnostic indicator was significantly higher than that which utilize FTBUT<5s as the primary diagnostic indicator(p < 0.05). Compared to the non-DM group, the LLT was thinner and the MGd was more severe in the mid-to long-term group. The upper-LWE score was moderately positively correlated with the MGd, and the lower LWE score was moderately negatively correlated with LLT.

Conclusion

LWE, LLT, and MGd worsen with the progression of diabetes. Additionally, changes in LWE may precede the FTBUT, indicating that LWE could be considered as an important indicator for early diagnosis of DED in diabetic patients.

Optimizing the methodology for the assessment of bulbar conjunctival lissamine green staining

SIGNIFICANCE

When using lissamine green for bulbar conjunctival evaluation, the most staining was observed with two applications of the same strip in the same eye, wetted with a drop of saline. The first application was 5 seconds after wetting the strip, and the second was 1 minute later, followed by immediate viewing. This suggests that bulbar staining should be viewed before the lid wiper region.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to optimize the assessment of lissamine green staining of the bulbar conjunctiva by investigating the application technique and subsequent observation period.

METHODS

Twenty-two participants with dry eye (as defined by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II) were recruited to trial five application methods in randomized order: (1) application immediately after wetting a single strip, (2) application 5 seconds after wetting a single strip, (3) application 10 seconds after wetting a single strip, (4) consecutive single application of sodium fluorescein followed by lissamine green 5 seconds after wetting, and (5) two applications using the same lissamine green strip 5 seconds after wetting, 1 minute apart. Slit-lamp photography of the conjunctiva was performed immediately following application and at 30, 60, 90, and 300 seconds after application. Three experienced (masked) practitioners independently quantified the visible punctate spots and graded the staining intensity within the images in a random order.

RESULTS

Values for punctate spot count ( F = 6.29, p<0.0001) and lissamine green staining intensity ( F = 6.29, p<0.0001) varied significantly between the different application methods. Using two applications of the same lissamine green strip, 1 minute apart, in the same eye resulted in the greatest values for both punctate spot count and lissamine green staining intensity. Lissamine green staining decreased with time for both spot count ( F = 18.87, p<0.0001) and lissamine green staining intensity ( F = 11.33, p<0.0001), with the most staining found immediately after application followed by a gradual decline. There was no evidence of any interaction effect between time and application method for either measure (p>0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal approach for assessing bulbar conjunctival lissamine green staining involves two applications of a whole infused drop resting on the same strip for 5 seconds, applied 1 minute apart. The ocular surface should be viewed immediately after application to maximize the conjunctival staining observed.

Analysis of Factors Associated with Anterior Location of Marx's Line

PURPOSE

The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with anterior location of Marx's line in ocular surface and living habits, especially in tear film.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study enlisted 483 participants with meibomian gland dysfunction, who were divided into two groups: 160 participants with mild anterior location of Marx's line and 323 participants with moderate-to-severe anterior location. Participants completed a survey of demographic characteristics (sex, age, length of visual terminal use, sleep duration, skin property), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness questionnaires. They also underwent slit-lamp examinations of the lids, and measurements of non-invasive tear break up time, tear meniscus height, fluorescein tear break up time, lipid layer thickness, partial blink rate, lid wiper epitheliopathy, and meibomian gland dropout.

RESULTS

The tear meniscus height (mild:0.21(0.18-0.25), moderate-to-severe:0.19(0.16-0.23), p = 0.004), fluorescein tear break up time(mild:3(2-4),moderate to severe:2(1-3), p = 0.000), max LLT(mild:87(62-100), moderate-to-severe:99(69-100), p = 0.04), average LLT(mild:64.5(47.5-96.75), moderate-to-severe:74(53-100), p = 0.012), min LLT(mild:52(38-75), moderate-to-severe:59(41-85), p = 0.029) differed significantly between mild and moderate-to-severe anterior location of Marx's line, and associated to the anterior location of Marx's line(r=-0.134, p = 0.03; r=-0.194, p = 0.000; r = 0.093, p = 0.041; r = 0.119, p = 0.009; r = 0.105, p = 0.022) However, no statistical significance was observed in the OSDI, SPEED, partial blink rate, non-invasive tear breakup time, lipid layer thickness, meibomian gland dropout and lid wiper epitheliopathy(p > 0.05). Meanwhile, in the demographic characteristics, statistically significant correlations were associated with skin property(r = 0.154, p = 0.001) and sleep duration(r=-0.124, p = 0.006), but not with age, sex, and the length of visual terminal use (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower TMH and shorter TBUT positively correlated with anterior location of the Marx's line, and were risk factors. Meanwhile, participants with oily skin and shorter sleep duration were more likely to exhibit anterior location of Marx's line.

A Hue-Value method for semi-automated assessment of Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy

BACKGROUND

Lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) is a marker of an abnormal lid/cornea interaction. This study proposes an automated Hue-Value grading algorithm of LWE staining following manual selection of the region of interest.

METHODS

Images of LWE staining were processed using Hue and Value from HSV (Hue-Saturation-Value) color space with a custom MATLAB program. Thirty-one images were successfully analyzed. Examiners analyzed images in random order twice, separated by more than a week. Bland Altman and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were performed.

RESULTS

There was no difference (p > 0.05) between upper (UL) and lower (LL) eyelids for LWE height (UL: 0.12 ± 0.12 mm, LL: 0.12 ± 0.07 mm), width (UL: 10.70 ± 3.84 mm, LL: 10.26 ± 3.49 mm), or area (UL: 2.85 ± 2.67 mm2, LL: 2.63 ± 1.71 mm2). There was no between examiner difference for all eyelid LWE height or area (p > 0.05), but a difference in LWE width (0.16 mm; p = 0.031). ICC for LWE height, width and area were 0.996 (95% CI: 0.993 to 0.998), 0.997 (95% CI: 0.992 to 0.998) and 0.999 (95% CI: 0.998 to 0.999). There was no between examiner difference for height or area (p > 0.05) for UL, but a difference in LWE width (0.28 mm; p = 0.026). ICC for height, width and area were 0.999 (95% CI: 0.996 to 1.00), 0.995 (95% CI: 0.982 to 0.999) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.999 to 1.00). There was no difference in LWE height, width or area for LL (all p > 0.05). ICC were 0.991 (95% CI: 0.973 to 0.997) for height, 0.998 (95% CI: 0.995 to 0.999) for width and 0.997 (95% CI: 0.990 to 0.999) for area.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel method results in highly repeatable interexaminer measures of LWE staining after general lid region delineation. Small differences in LWE width were observed between examiners.

Natural course of lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) in symptomatic contact lens wearers

PURPOSE

To establish the time course of lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) in established CL wearers after a single day (6-10 h) of daily disposable contact lens (CL) wear, the following day post-CL removal and 1-week after CL discontinuation.

METHODS

Twenty-one symptomatic (CLDEQ-8 score ≥ 12) habitual wearers of MyDay® silicone hydrogel daily disposable were included. LWE staining was assessed prior to CL wear (Visit 1, V1) using semi-automated analysis after instillation of two drops of 1 % lissamine green (10 μL) that were applied to the superior bulbar conjunctiva. LWE measurements were repeated after 6-10 h of continuous CL wear (Visit 2, V2), post-CL removal the following day (Visit 3, V3) and after 1-week CL discontinuation (Visit 4, V4). At each visit, ocular symptoms were evaluated using the SPEED-8 questionnaire and set of 0-100 visual analogue scales (VAS).

RESULTS

LWE showed no significant changes after 6-10 h of continuous CL wear (p = 0.536), post-CL removal the following day (p = 0.677) or following 1-week of CL discontinuation (p = 0.478). Analysis revealed a significant improvement in symptomatology between V1 and V2 (SPEED-8, p < 0.01) and also improvements in the 0-100 VAS scores between V2 and V4 for average daily dryness (p < 0.01), end-of-day dryness (p < 0.01) and frequency of end-of-day dryness (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present data suggest that the etiology of LWE is multifactorial and the sole intervention of temporarily discontinuing CL wear does not lead to resolution of these clinical signs.

CLEAR - Evidence-based contact lens practice

Evidence-based contact lens -->practice involves finding, appraising and applying research findings as the basis for patient management decisions. These decisions should be informed by the strength of the research study designs that address the question, as well as by the experience of the practitioner and the preferences and environment of the patient. This reports reviews and summarises the published research evidence that is available to inform soft and rigid contact lens history and symptoms taking, anterior eye health examination (including the optimised use of ophthalmic dyes, grading scales, imaging techniques and lid eversion), considerations for contact lens selection (including the ocular surface measurements required to select the most appropriate lens parameter, lens modality and material selection), evaluation of lens fit, prescribing (teaching self-application and removal, adaptation, care regimen and cleaning instructions, as well as -->minimising risks of lens wear through encouraging compliance) and an aftercare routine.

CLEAR - Effect of contact lens materials and designs on the anatomy and physiology of the eye

This paper outlines changes to the ocular surface caused by contact lenses and their degree of clinical significance. Substantial research and development to improve oxygen permeability of rigid and soft contact lenses has meant that in many countries the issues caused by hypoxia to the ocular surface have largely been negated. The ability of contact lenses to change the axial growth characteristics of the globe is being utilised to help reduce the myopia pandemic and several studies and meta-analyses have shown that wearing orthokeratology lenses or soft multifocal contact lenses can reduce axial length growth (and hence myopia). However, effects on blinking, ptosis, the function of Meibomian glands, fluorescein and lissamine green staining of the conjunctiva and cornea, production of lid-parallel conjunctival folds and lid wiper epitheliopathy have received less research attention. Contact lens wear produces a subclinical inflammatory response manifested by increases in the number of dendritiform cells in the conjunctiva, cornea and limbus. Papillary conjunctivitis is also a complication of all types of contact lenses. Changes to wear schedule (daily disposable from overnight wear) or lens materials (hydrogel from SiHy) can reduce papillary conjunctivitis, but the effect of such changes on dendritic cell migration needs further study. These changes may be associated with decreased comfort but confirmatory studies are needed. Contact lenses can affect the sensitivity of the ocular surface to mechanical stimulation, but whether these changes affect comfort requires further investigation. In conclusion, there have been changes to lens materials, design and wear schedules over the past 20+ years that have improved their safety and seen the development of lenses that can reduce the myopia development. However, several changes to the ocular surface still occur and warrant further research effort in order to optimise the lens wearing experience.

Impact of Improper Approach to Identify Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy (LWE)

Purpose

Variability in the use of ophthalmic dyes to diagnose lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) has led to division in the literature and clinical practice. The principal aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of a non-optimal methodology to identify LWE had a potential for false negatives; in which LWE was overlooked.

Patients and Methods

A total of 20 participants were initially categorized to not have LWE and were enrolled in this study. The protocol examined whether or not LWE would later be revealed through the use of optimized methodology. Semi-automated analysis was performed of images taken after two different drop instillations with varying post-dye viewing times for both lissamine green (LG) and sodium fluorescein (NaFl).

Results

There was a significant increase in area of staining revealed when an optimal methodology for LWE identification was used. Comparisons for every non-optimal condition were statistically significantly different against the optimal condition (all p<0.01). The use of a non-optimal methodology resulted in a 70% false-negative rate when using LG and a 95% false-negative rate when using NaFl.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that using a double instillation of dye was statistically different from a single-dose, even with extended wait time for clinical observation. A single instillation did not offer adequate volume of dye for adequate lid margin uptake. A careful adherence to volume as well as a repeat administration is key to revealing the full area of LWE. A non-optimal approach to diagnose LWE can lead to false negatives.