The application of a new continuous functional visual acuity measurement system in dry eye syndromes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a new continuous functional visual acuity measurement (FVAM) system for the assessment of dry eye patients. DESIGN: Prospective comparative study. METHODS: Monocular recognition acuity measured continuously by the FVAM system during a 30-second blink-free period was defined as functional visual acuity (FVA). Examinations using the FVAM system were conducted in 35 eyes of 20 healthy controls and 19 eyes of 13 dry eye patients. Tear function examinations including the Schirmer test, tear film break-up time, and fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining were performed in all subjects. Functional visual acuity and tear functions were also examined before and after insertion of punctum plugs in dry eye patients. Functional visual acuity results at 10, 20, and 30 seconds were compared. RESULTS: Functional visual acuity in dry eyes were significantly lower than control subjects at all time points (P <.05). Functional visual acuity after punctum plugs insertion improved significantly at all time points (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: FVAM system seemed not only to be an effective tool in the assessment of dynamic visual acuity changes in dry eye and normal subjects but in evaluating the outcome of management of dry eye disease by punctum plugs.