Strip meniscometry: a new and simple method of tear meniscus evaluation.

PURPOSE To investigate the applicability and efficacy of a new and simple method of quantification of the volume of tear meniscus, termed "strip meniscometry," in the diagnosis of the dry eye syndromes in a prospective controlled study. METHODS One hundred eyes of 50 patients with dry eye (19 males; 31 females) aged between 18 and 76 years (mean, 54.3 years), as well as 80 eyes of 40 normal subjects aged from 15 to 70 years (mean, 50.8 years; 12 males, 28 females) were recruited in this study. The patients and the control subjects underwent strip meniscometry for 5 seconds, tear film lipid layer interferometry, tear film break-up time measurement, and ocular surface vital staining with fluorescein and rose bengal dyes and the Schirmer-1 test. RESULTS Strip meniscometry scores correlated with tear quantity and stability, ocular surface staining scores, and lipid layer interferometry grades and improved after 2 weeks of punctal plug occlusion. CONCLUSIONS Strip meniscometry is a swift, noninvasive, promising new method that is expected to find application in the diagnosis and evaluation of the outcome of treatment of dry eye syndromes.