ABSTRACT

Purpose

To examine the relationship between dry eye symptoms and clinical tests, and to determine patient tolerance and ocular surface staining characteristics of lissamine green versus rose bengal.

Material and Method:

Thirty patients with dry eye and fifteen control patients were included in this prospective study. Participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and underwent clinical tests for dry eye including graded lissamine green and rose bengal staining. After instillation of dyes, the symptoms and duration of disturbance were recorded.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between OSDI scores and the clinical tests for dry eye. There was no significant difference in objective staining scores of lissamine green and rose bengal. For patients with dry eye, the mean sensation score was significantly lower and the duration of the symptoms was shorter with lissamine green than with rose bengal.

Discussion:

The OSDI can be easily performed. OSDI is used to support the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. Lissamine green is better tolerated than rose bengal and is equally as effective as rose bengal in evaluating the ocular surface in dry eye syndrome.