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ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the clinical findings, diagnostic test results and response to therapy of cats with Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1) values below the reference interval.MethodsThe medical records of three institutions were searched for cats with ocular surface disease and STT-1 values

Friction between the contact lens (CL) and the corneal or conjunctival surfaces is considered one of key factors in triggering CL‐associated adverse effects. However, the relationship between friction properties and these effects remains unclear. Traditional measurement methods often fail to replicate real‐life conditions, thereby highlighting the need for more effective apparatus. In this study, the authors developed an optimised pendulum apparatus integrated with an inclinometer to enhance the measurement of CL friction coefficients, thereby improving its precision and relevance to clinical settings. This new design allows for faster and easier calculation of the friction coefficient based on the amplitude decay per libration cycle, surpassing the accuracy of previous video‐based methods. The pendulum's hemisphere component was made from ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM) 30, which has an elastic modulus similar to that of a human eyeball, creating a measurement environment that closely mimics real‐world usage. The authors optimised the apparatus by evaluating the effects of hemisphere stiffness and saline volume on the friction coefficient. Measurements of multiple lenses recorded by the authors, particularly Lens A, made of narafilcon A, revealed significant consistency across different hemisphere materials with an optimal saline volume of 150 μL yielding a friction coefficient of 0.026 ± 0.003. No statistically significant differences in the friction coefficients were found across variations in the lens base curve, diameter, centre thickness, or power. This improved apparatus demonstrates the capability of effectively measuring friction coefficients under conditions that simulate clinical usage, providing rapid and reliable results. The findings validate the apparatus and suggest its potential for broader applications in assessing CL properties, thereby facilitating future research on the material characteristics and safety of various CLs, including decorative lenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the other hand, Giannaccare et al. [[192]] conducted a study on patients with MGD having subjective symptoms (OSDI>= 13) and at least one clinical sign of MGD, such as terminal ductal obstruction, plugging of the meibomian glands, turbid secretions, inflammation and swelling of the eyelid margins, or poor meibum secretions. One RCT [[423]] and two observational studies [[429]] assessed improvements in meibomian gland orifices and surrounding findings and report that minocycline oral administration can improve meibomian gland orifices and surrounding findings in patients with MGD and meibomitis. Additionally, Ibrahim et al. [[279]] show that meibomian gland acinar density, shortest and longest acinar diameter, and inflammatory cell density were significantly associated with BUT, fluorescein staining score, Rose Bengal staining, decreased lipid expression from the meibomian gland orifices, meibomian gland dropout, and ocular surface tear evaporation rate. In 22 patients without atrophy of the meibomian gland, after treatment with the cleansing agent, meibography indicated significant improvements in the meibomian gland orifices/surrounding findings (eyelid margin vascularity), quality of meibum, and BUT. [Extracted from the article]

Dry eye disease (DED) is a complex multifactorial condition caused by loss of ocular surface homeostasis from quantitative and/or qualitative tear film deficiency. Schirmer tear test (STT) is often the only diagnostic test used to assess for DED in veterinary practice. STT is invaluable in the diagnosis and monitoring of quantitative tear film deficiency (i.e., keratoconjunctivitis sicca); however, it is not sufficient to optimize therapy and fully recognize other contributing factors for the disturbance in ocular surface homeostasis. The present work reviews diagnostic tests for assessing aqueous tear production in veterinary medicine, as well as the quality of tears, corneal epithelial barrier integrity, and the lacrimal functional unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the long‐term vision outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in dogs. Procedures: The medical records of dogs that underwent AGV implantation from January 2010 to December 2019 were reviewed to assess the duration of post‐surgical vision preservation (PVP). The relationship between PVP and the underlying cause of glaucoma, implant placement, and preoperative intraocular pressure was evaluated. Results: One hundred and thirty‐two eyes of 122 dogs (mean age, 8.3 ± 2.6 years) were included. The mean ± standard error of PVP for all eyes was 57.5 ± 3.9 months. PVP in the dogs with primary acute glaucoma and prior history of cataract surgery was 56.4 ± 4.7 and 59.3 ± 5.9 months, respectively (p =.712). The PVP of the Shiba Inu, American Cocker Spaniel, and other breeds was 63.1 ± 5.5, 33.7 ± 5.3, and 59.1 ± 6.3 months, respectively (p <.05). The PVP in dogs with medial implantation was 61.9 ± 4.7 months, and in those with lateral implantation was 45.4 ± 6.4 months (p =.034). Among the 132 eyes investigated, 48 (36.4%) lost vision by the last follow‐up, and 18 eyes retained vision for more than 5 years. Two of the total number of eyes retained their vision for more than 8 years. Conclusions: The vision outcomes regarding the use of AGV for the management of canine glaucoma were favorable in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the superficial punctate fluorescein staining in dogs with and without aqueous tear deficiency. Procedures: An eye from each client‐owned dogs presented to Triangle Animal Eye Clinic between January and December 2018 underwent tear and ocular surface tests, which included the Schirmer tear test (STT), phenol red thread test (PRT), and strip meniscometry tube tear test (SMT). Punctate fluorescein staining of the cornea (PFS‐C) and the upper palpebral conjunctiva (PFS‐UPC) were also performed. Fifty‐seven dogs with STT results of <15 mm/min had aqueous tear deficiency (AD); 31 dogs had <10 mm/min and 26 dogs had ≥10 mm/min. The 162 dogs with STT results of ≥15 mm/min did not have AD. The test results of the groups were compared using Kruskal‐Wallis and Steel‐Dwass multiple comparison tests. Results: Two hundred and nineteen eyes from 219 dogs were enrolled in this study. The PRT and SMT results, presented as mean ± SD, were significantly lower in the AD group than in the non‐AD group (PRT: 29.5 ± 8.1 vs 36.9 ± 5.6 mm/15 s; SMT: 6.2 ± 3.8 vs 10.8 ± 2.8 mm/5 s). The PFS scores were significantly higher in the AD group than in the non‐AD group (PFS‐C: 4.4 ± 0.7 and 3.7 ± 0.8; PFS‐UPC: 2.3 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.5). Conclusions: These results suggest that aqueous tear deficiency is not only reflected by PRT and SMT but also PFS‐C and PFS‐UPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the interaction between tear supplements and soft contact lenses (SCLs), we measured the contact angles (CAs) on the SCLs using commercially available tear supplements., Methods: We used four daily disposable conventional hydrogel lenses (etafilcon A, etafilcon A+ polyvinylpyrrolidone, nelfilcon A, and omafilcon A containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine [MPC]) and four silicone hydrogel lenses (narafilcon A, senofilcon A, delefilcon A, and stenfilcon A). The CAs on the SCLs were measured using a sessile drop technique and four different types of sessile drops, including saline, artificial tears, lubricants containing 2-MPC (MPC solution), and 0.1% hyaluronate acid (HA)., Results: The CA values associated with the silicone hydrogel lenses were significantly (P<0.001) lower than those associated with the conventional hydrogel lenses with all four solutions. The mean CA of 0.1% HA was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of saline. The mean CA of the MPC solution was significantly (P<0.01) lower than that of saline with the conventional hydrogel lenses but significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of saline with the silicone hydrogel lenses., Conclusions: The CAs associated with the silicone hydrogel SCLs were higher with the use of the MPC solutions and HA in vitro. The measured CAs may depend on ingredient agents, surface treatment of the CLs, and components of the tear supplements., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists.)