Work

Investigation of the impact of tear film dynamics on optical coherence tomography image quality in patients with dry eye disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of tear film parameters on optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal strength index (SSI) in dry eye disease (DED) patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 77 DED patients and 77 healthy controls. All participants underwent ocular surface index (OSDI) assessment, Schirmer I test, non-invasive break up time (NIBUT) measurement, and OCT imaging. SSI values from raster and optic nerve head (ONH) scans were recorded using the RTVue-100 device. Correlation and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: DED patients exhibited significantly lower raster and ONH SSI values compared to controls (p < 0.001). SSI positively correlated with NIBUT and Schirmer, and negatively with OSDI scores (p < 0.001). NIBUT and OSDI were independent predictors of SSI in regression models. CONCLUSION: Tear film instability reduces OCT signal quality in DED, even without media opacities. Ocular surface optimization should be considered before OCT imaging to ensure accurate evaluation of measurements.

Source: BMC Ophthalmology

DOI: 10.1186/s12886-026-04893-8

Authors: Bedia Kesimal, Sücattin İlker Kocamış

Institution: Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990