TFBUT measurement and meibography functions used as basic data for dry eye diagnosis
Due to prolonged smartphone use, fine dust, air conditioning, heating systems, and other environmental changes, dry eye syndrome has become a common condition that must be considered for most people. As a result, many ophthalmology clinics are now adopting devices that can evaluate both vision and refractive errors while simultaneously assessing dry eye symptoms. These advanced instruments enable more precise analysis of a patient’s eye condition, supporting more effective diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
Let’s take a closer look at the key features of the HRK-9000A auto refractor-keratometer, a device that helps in diagnosing dry eye syndrome!
HRK-9000A Auto Refractor with integrated functions
The HRK-9000A is equipped with both TFBUT measurement and meibography functions. These two features are used as fundamental data for diagnosing dry eye syndrome.
TFBUT Measurement
Tear Film Break-Up Time
The TFBUT feature in the HRK-9000A measures the time it takes for the tear film to break up after a blink, helping to assess the dryness of the ocular surface. If a patient blinks frequently or shows signs of eye fatigue during a refraction test, dry eye syndrome may be suspected. In such cases, this function enables further examination to support accurate diagnosis.
Meibography Function
Observation of meibomian glands
The Meibography function of the HRK-9000A enables visualization of the meibomian glands located inside the eyelids. These glands are essential for producing the lipid layer—the outermost part of the tear film—which prevents tear evaporation. If meibomian gland function is compromised, it can lead to increased tear evaporation and chronic dry eye. This function is particularly helpful when patients experience eye fatigue or dryness during refraction tests, providing additional data for more precise evaluation.
Huvitz HRK-9000A meibography function published in OPO journal
The results of a study using the HRK-9000A’s meibography function to observe the meibomian glands were published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), a globally recognized and authoritative journal in the field of ophthalmology and vision science.
This study, conducted by researcher Liat Gantz, focused on evaluating the repeatability and within-subject variability of meibography imaging using the Huvitz HRK-9000A.
[Study Overview]
– Inter-examiner reproducibility (IER)
– Inter-rater reliability (IRR)
– Within-subject variability (WSV) reliability
[Methodology]
The meibomian glands (MG) of both eyelids in healthy participants were imaged during a single session by Examiner 1 (E1) and Examiner 2 (E2) using a balanced design. The captured images were later evaluated offline by E1, E2, and an independent rater (R1).
[Results]
Inter-examiner Reproducibility(IER)
: High consistency was observed between examiners, with similar results obtained for both upper and lower eyelids.
Inter-rater Reliability(IRR)
: The results demonstrated excellent agreement and high reliability among raters.
Within-subject Variability(WSV)
: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were greater than 0.90, indicating excellent reliability.
<Check the Published OPO Article>
Source: @Liat Gantz – LinkedIn post
Through this study, Huvitz has demonstrated that the meibography function of the HRK-9000A offers excellent reliability, with high reproducibility between examiners and raters. These findings confirm its suitability for meibomian gland evaluation, follow-up monitoring, and therapeutic applications.
The Huvitz HRK-9000A is not only equipped for vision and refraction testing, but also integrates dry eye diagnostic features such as TFBUT and meibography. This allows for more precise and comprehensive eye health assessments, enabling clinicians to deliver more effective diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
If you’re interested in learning more about the full features of the Huvitz HRK-9000A, check out the link!
