07/28/2025
👁️ Beyond the Blink: Advancing Dry Eye Diagnostics
At the Summer AECOS meeting, a talented team of ophthalmic researchers from MUSC presented an exciting preliminary study exploring a novel Dry Eye Disease (DED) classification system using iTrace tear film metrics. The key takeaway? Tear Film Index (TFI) emerged as a highly reliable objective measure for staging DED severity.
Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on subjective symptoms, TFI provided statistically significant differentiation across clinical severity levels—mild, moderate, and severe. When paired with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), this combined approach offered a holistic view of both physiological disruption and patient-reported impact.
📊 With a clear negative correlation between TFI and OSDI (r = -0.41, p = 0.0338), this research strengthens the case for incorporating objective, image-based metrics into dry eye diagnostics and treatment planning.
As Dry Eye Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re reminded how vital innovation is in elevating care for the millions affected by DED. It’s exciting to see iTrace’s Tear Film Index (TFI) validated as a reliable objective marker for dry eye staging. This study highlights our core mission: equipping clinicians with precise, image-based metrics that elevate diagnostic clarity and treatment personalization. We’re proud to see iTrace shaping the future of ophthalmic care—and we’re just getting started.
