Correlation with Schirmer test and break up time of tear osmolarity measurement in dry eye syndrome patients

Objective: To evaluate the correlation with Schirmer Test and Break up Time (BUT) of tear osmolarity measurement in dry eyes syndrome (DES) patients. Material and Methods: New diagnosed 30 dry eye patients and 30 healthy voluntary persons of similar age and gender included prospectively in this study. In addition to the full ophthalmic examination, Schirmer Test and BUT test were performed to all participants. Tear osmolarity measurements have been done after pre-examination but in different day, with TearLab Osmolarity System (TearLab Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA). The results have been evaluated statistically. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between mean age, gender of DES and control groups (p<0.05). The mean measurement of Schirmer Test and BUT of DES group were statistically significantly lower than control group (p=0.0001). The mean measurement of tear osmolarity were statistically significantly higher than control group (p=0.0001). When the results were evaluated in DES group, Schirmer test value were found positively correlated with BUT value (r=0.626, p=0.0001). Between Schirmer test value and the measurement of tear osmolarity, there was a negative correlation (r=-0.414 p=0.008). Negative correlation was also observed between BUT and the measurement of tear osmolarity (r=-0.378 p=0.015). Conclusion: It has been concluded that there is no difference among tear osmolarity, Shirmer and BUT tests in diagnosis of DES.