Tear Dysfunction Syndrome After Burn

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate tear dysfunction of burn patients objectively. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who had been examined within 1 week after burn injury. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, cilia burned state, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and fluorescein corneal staining were evaluated. Sixty-four eyes of 32 patients (man 27, female 5) were included. Mean age was 44.41 ± 12.76 years old. Mean best corrected visual acuity was logMAR 0.04 ± 0.08, mean intraocular pressure was 13.41 ± 3.13 mm Hg, and mean TBUT was 5.48 ± 3.18 seconds. Thirty-four eyes (53.13%) showed burned cilia, 36 eyes (56.25%) showed corneal erosion on fluorescein stating. Intraocular pressure and TBUT were lower in TBSA with burn involved ≥ 10% group than TBSA with burn involved < 10% group (P = .000; P = .058). The percentage of TBSA of burn involved and tear break up time showed statistically significant negative correlations (r = -0.262; P = .037). Many burn patients have discomfort due to tear dysfunction syndrome. Tear dysfunction may be caused by direct injury of eye burn itself and body fluid deficiency. We recommend that when we treat burn patients, we have to pay attention to their symptoms and manage patient's eye symptoms properly such as routine artificial tear lubricant treatment.