Relationship between Signs and Symptoms for the Assessment of the Lacrimal Function and the Ocular Surface in Colombian and Spanish Subjects without Apparent Ocular Pathology

Abstract

<em><strong>Objective:</strong></em> To find a link between the symptoms and signs found when assessing lacrimal function and ocular surface with dry-eye diagnostic tests in a group of apparently healthy Colombian and Spanish subjects. Method: A total of one hundred healthy subjects (fifty Colombians and fifty Spaniards) without previous history of contact lenses were recruited and evaluated. The subjects answered a McMonnies dry-eye questionnaire and were subjected to the Non-Invasive Break-Up Time (NIBUT), Tear Film Breakup Time (TFBUT), fluorescein staining, lissamine staining and impression cytology (IC) tests. For the statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation and multiple statistical tests were used. <em><strong>Results:</strong></em> The McMonnies questionnaire did not corroborate individual findings, even though the signs and tests determined dry-eye. Significant differences between the two population groups were found (p = 0.016). No correlation was found between McMonnies and the NIBUT, TFBUT, fluorescein and lissamine green staining and IC tests. <em><strong>Conclusion:</strong></em> The McMonnies questionnaire, by itself, is not a useful test in the diagnosis of ocular surface Disease.