Opaque superficial corneal epithelial cell area may indicate severity of dry eye syndrome

This study confirms the critical role of surface quality in visual outcome after cataract surgery. It also adds to our knowledge of this hot topic.

Researchers prospectively imaged with laser scanning confocal microscopy the epithelium of 31 dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS) patients and 21 asymptomatic controls. The mean opaque superficial corneal epithelial cell area was significantly greater in patients than controls, and opaque cell area increased with greater clinical severity. Confocal microscopy findings significantly correlated with blurred vision symptoms, BCVA and objective severity parameters. The authors conclude that confocal image analysis may prove useful for classifying DTS severity and monitoring treatment efficacy.