Promising High-Tech Devices in Dry Eye Disease Diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a common and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the diagnosis and management of DED can be challenging, as the condition is multifactorial and symptoms can be nonspecific. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in diagnostic technology for DED, including the development of several new devices.

Methods: A literature review of articles on the dry eye syndrome and innovative diagnostic devices was carried out to provide an overview of some of the current high-tech diagnostic tools for DED, specifically focusing on the TearLab Osmolarity System, DEvice Hygrometer, IDRA, Tearcheck, Keratograph 5M, Cornea Dome Lens Imaging System, I-PEN Osmolarity System, LipiView II interferometer, LacryDiag Ocular Surface Analyzer, Tearscope-Plus, and Cobra HD Camera.

Conclusions: Despite the fact that consistent use of these tools in clinical settings could facilitate diagnosis, no diagnostic device can replace the TFOS algorithm.

Keywords: diagnostic device; dry eye disease; ocular surface.

Figure 1

A schematic design of the diagnostic tool system. The figure shows a side and rear view of the schematic representation of a monosensor diagnostic prototype with: an eyepiece cup (10); the sensor (20) placed inside it; a processing board (30) equipped with processor (31), memory (34), and wireless connection device (32); the optional connection cable (33); a digital screen (40) with buttons (41); and a rechargeable power supply battery (50) placed in the handle [35].