Tear deficiency in Fuchs' intermediate uveitis.

OBJECTIVE

To assess quantitatively and qualitatively tear secretion in Fuchs' intermediate (heterochromic) uveitis to detect any possible anomaly linked to Fuchs' uveitis.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

University eye clinic, Chieti, Italy.

PATIENTS

Thirty consecutive white patients aged 32 to 65 years with unilateral Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Results of Schirmer's test I, tear film breakup time, conjunctival mucus ferning.

RESULTS

Schirmer's test I showed a tear deficiency in 15 patients; the tear film breakup time and ferning were abnormal in these patients. There was a significant difference in the test results between the affected eyes and the fellow, unaffected eyes (p < 0.001). There was no relation between tear deficiency and age.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of tear anomalies only in the affected eye of patients with Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis suggests a link between Fuchs' uveitis and tear deficiency.