Clinical ophthalmological tests for the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 1989 Mar-Apr;7(2):141-4.

Abstract

According to the Copenhagen criteria for Sjögren's syndrome, the diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca requires the performance of 3 objective ocular tests of which 2 should give pathological results. The tests presently in use are: Break-up time, Schirmer-1-test and Rose-Bengal score. A list of clinical ophthalmological tests has been established in order to enable various SS-study groups to compare results. The list has 3 groups, each containing tests evaluating mainly one characteristic function of the lacrimal system: Tear production, tear quality and ocular surface condition. The tests of the list have been evaluated in 10 1 degree SS-patients and in 10 incipient SS patients. The diagnostic sensitivity and the accuracy of various combinations of the 3 tests have been evaluated. It is suggested that SS-study groups should select one of the marked (*) tests from each group on the list, and that KCS should be defined present, when 2 of the selected 3 tests show pathologically changed results. (table; see text).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Clinical Enzyme Tests
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconjunctivitis / diagnosis*
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / diagnosis*
  • Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / metabolism
  • Tears / metabolism*