Increased tear evaporation in a patient with ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the tear function and ocular surface disorders in a patient with ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (EEC) syndrome.

Methods: Routine ophthalmic examinations were performed, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, anterior segment photography including transillumination photos of the lids, Schirmer tests I and II, tear film break-up time (BUT) assessment, corneal fluorescein staining, DR-1 tear film lipid layer interferometry, and tear evaporation rate measurements.

Results: Slit-lamp examination revealed conjunctival hyperemia, superficial punctate keratopathy, and corneal leucoma with neovascularization. Although the Schirmer test values were within normal limits, the BUT value was 0 s in both eyes. Transillumination of the lids showed the absence of meibomian glandular structures. DR-1 tear film lipid layer interferometry results were dry eye grade 5 with an irregular tear film, areas of corneal surface exposure, and several dry spots. The tear evaporation rate was elevated and was measured as 6.98 x 10(-7) g/cm2 per second (normal, 4.1 +/- 1.4 x 10(-7) g/cm2 per second).

Conclusion: The ocular surface disorder and shortened BUT in EEC syndrome were attributed to the absence of meibomian glands, leading to lipid layer deficiency in the tear film with a concomitant increase in tear evaporation.