Conditions: Evaporative Dry Eye
Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 21
Healthy volunteers: yes

Brief summary:
The objective of the study is to compare the rate of tear evaporation, measured with a novel evaporimeter, before and for one hour after an eye drop containing nano-sized oil droplets has been instilled.

Detailed description:

Arms:
arm 1: Instill eye drop and perform followup assessments on people with a Ocular Surface Disease Index score \<13 and a non-invasive Keratograph break-up time of \>/= 10 seconds in the worst eye arm 2: Instill eye drop and perform followup assessments on people with an Ocular Surface Disease Index score \>/= 13 and a non-invasive Keratograph break-up time \</= 5 seconds in the worst eye

Interventions: intervention 1: Systane Complete
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Systane Complete will be instilled and rate of evaporation assessed before and after.

Protocol document:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 

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BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
2 
 
 
 
 
 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
3 
Study Personnel 
 
Principal investigator: 
 
Lyndon Jones PhD FCOptom  
Director, Centre for Ocular Research and Education 
 
Clinical Research Manager: 
Jill Woods MSc MCOptom 
 
Project developer:  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Protocol author: 
 
 
Lead investigator: 
 
 
Quality Control: 
 
 
 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
4 
 
DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY 
 
Version 
date 
Author 
Description of change(s) 
31jul2019 
 
Original protocol 
 
 
 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
5 
Table of contents 
Document change history ............................................................................................................ 4 
1 
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 9 
2 
Objectives............................................................................................................................ 9 
3 
Hypothesis......................................................................................................................... 10 
4 
Materials and methods ...................................................................................................... 10 
4.1 
Study design .............................................................................................................. 10 
4.1.1 
Overall design .................................................................................................... 10 
4.1.2 
Randomization ................................................................................................... 11 
4.1.3 
Masking ............................................................................................................. 11 
4.2 
Study population ........................................................................................................ 11 
4.2.1 
Sample size calculation ...................................................................................... 11 
4.2.2 
Number of participants ....................................................................................... 11 
4.2.3 
Inclusion and exclusion criteria ........................................................................... 11 
4.2.4 
Repeated screenings ......................................................................................... 13 
4.3 
Study materials .......................................................................................................... 13 
4.3.1 
Lenses ............................................................................................................... 13 
4.3.2 
Lens care system ............................................................................................... 13 
4.3.3 
Lubricating drops................................................................................................ 13 
4.3.4 
Ordering consumables ....................................................................................... 14 
4.3.5 
Disposing of consumables ................................................................................. 14 
4.3.6 
Product accountability ........................................................................................ 14 
4.4 
Scheduled and unscheduled visits ............................................................................. 14 
4.4.1 
Study visits ......................................................................................................... 14 
4.4.2 
Visit 1: Screening ............................................................................................... 14 
4.4.3 
Visit 2: Data Collection ....................................................................................... 16 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
6 
4.4.4 
Unscheduled visits ............................................................................................. 18 
4.5 
Study procedures ....................................................................................................... 18 
4.5.1 
Demographics .................................................................................................... 19 
4.5.2 
Medical history ................................................................................................... 19 
4.5.3 
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire .......................................... 19 
4.5.4 
logMAR visual acuity .......................................................................................... 20 
4.5.5 
Tear meniscus height (TMH) .............................................................................. 20 
4.5.6 
Objective non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (NIKBUT) ......................... 20 
4.5.7 
Lipid layer thickness (EASYTEAR®view+) ......................................................... 20 
4.5.8 
Meibomian gland assessment ............................................................................ 20 
4.5.9 
Lid margin assessment ...................................................................................... 21 
4.5.10 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy ...................................................................................... 22 
4.5.11 
Meibography ...................................................................................................... 23 
4.5.12 
Anterior eye photographs ................................................................................... 23 
4.5.13 
Measurement of volume inside the goggle ......................................................... 23 
4.5.14 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy (safety variable)............................................................ 24 
4.5.15 
Application of petroleum jelly .............................................................................. 25 
4.5.16 
Removal of petroleum jelly ................................................................................. 25 
4.5.17 
Subjective comfort ratings .................................................................................. 25 
4.5.18 
Evaporimetry ...................................................................................................... 25 
4.5.19 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiviewÒ II)................................................. 26 
4.5.20 
Instillation of eye drop ........................................................................................ 26 
5 
Monitoring protocol adherence .......................................................................................... 27 
6 
Potential Risks and Benefits to Human participants ........................................................... 27 
7 
Adverse events .................................................................................................................. 28 
8 
Discontinuation from the study ........................................................................................... 28 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
7 
9 
Study completion and remuneration .................................................................................. 29 
10 
Statistical analysis and data management ..................................................................... 30 
10.1 
Statistical analysis...................................................................................................... 30 
10.2 
Data management ..................................................................................................... 30 
10.3 
Comments on source documents ............................................................................... 31 
11 
Protocol training ............................................................................................................. 31 
12 
Study monitoring ............................................................................................................ 31 
13 
Study management ........................................................................................................ 31 
13.1 
Statement of compliance............................................................................................ 31 
13.2 
Ethics review.............................................................................................................. 31 
13.3 
Clinical trial registration .............................................................................................. 32 
13.4 
Protocol deviations..................................................................................................... 32 
13.4.1 
Major protocol deviations ................................................................................... 32 
13.4.2 
Minor protocol deviations ................................................................................... 32 
13.4.3 
Reporting and documenting protcol deviations ................................................... 33 
13.5 
Premature termination of the study ............................................................................ 33 
13.6 
Study participant records ........................................................................................... 33 
13.7 
Retention of study records and data .......................................................................... 33 
14 
Report............................................................................................................................ 33 
15 
References .................................................................................................................... 33 
 
 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
8 
 
 
 Confidentiality 
This is a private document and the property of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education. It 
is therefore confidential to the recipient and must not be quoted from or distributed beyond the 
company to which it is sent without the express written permission of the Director (or her/his 
designate) of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education. Release of information from this 
document is governed by the research agreement on file. 
 
Disclaimer 
This study will be conducted for research purposes only and is not intended to be used to support safety 
and efficacy in a regulatory submission. 
 
 
 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
9 
1 
INTRODUCTION 
The worldwide prevalence of dry eye is estimated to be approximately 5% to 50%.1 Dry eye is 
classified into three main subtypes: aqueous deficient, evaporative, and mixed.2 In order to 
effectively treat patients, it is important for eye care practitioners to be able to differentiate between 
the different causes of dry eye.3 
One non-invasive method of assessing the rate of evaporation of the tear film from the front 
surface of the eye is by using a technique called evaporimetry. At present, there is only one 
commercial evaporimeter, the Eye-VapoMeter (Delfin Technologies Ltd., Finland), available for 
clinical use. The Eye-VapoMeter was initially designed as a dermatological device to measure the 
rate of skin evaporation. The device was modified by incorporating an eye cup from a swimming 
goggle onto the base of the instrument and was validated for ocular use in 2014.4  
All other evaporimeters previously described in the literature have only been used within a 
research setting. To our knowledge, there has only been one previous evaporimeter, developed 
by Tsubota and Yamada in 1992, which was capable of binocularly measuring the tear evaporation 
rate (TER).5  
The 2017 TFOS DEWS II Tear Film report noted that there is currently a lack of reliable, 
commercially available evaporimeters and stressed that the development of evaporimeters that 
can be used in a clinical setting under a variety of temperatures and humidities would be extremely 
useful.6 To overcome various problems associated with the Eye-VapoMeter and the 
Yamada/Tsubota evaporimeter, a novel, prototype goggle-based evaporimeter has been 
designed to simultaneously measure TER from both eyes at the same time. The benefit of a 
simultaneous TER measurement is less chair time for both the patient and practitioner.  
Due to the relative lack of previously published research investigating evaporimetry and eye drops, 
the purpose of this pilot study is to compare the effect of an eye drop (SystaneÒ Complete) on 
TER. SystaneÒ Complete was released in Canada in 2018 for the treatment of both aqueous 
deficient and evaporative dry eye. The study will also serve to validate the use of the novel, in-
house developed evaporimeter for use in non-contact lens wearing participants.  
2 
OBJECTIVES 
The objective of the study is to compare the rate of tear evaporation, measured with a novel 
evaporimeter, before and for one hour after an eye drop containing nano-sized oil droplets has 
been instilled. 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
10 
The primary outcome variable for this study are the slopes calculated from the change in relative 
humidity over time.   
Other variables of interest include:  
• 
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score  
• 
Comfort (subjective rating) 
• 
Dryness (subjective rating) 
• 
Burning/stinging (subjective rating) 
• 
Tear meniscus height (mm) 
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (NIKBUT) 
• 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiViewÒ II) 
• 
Ocular surface area (mm2) 
• 
Volume inside the goggle (cm3) 
3 
HYPOTHESIS 
The study hypothesis is that instillation of an eye drop will result in lower tear evaporation rates 
compared to before the eye drop has been inserted.  
The second study hypothesis is that dry eye participants will have higher baseline rates of tear 
evaporation compared to non-dry eye participants. 
4 
MATERIALS AND METHODS 
4.1 STUDY DESIGN 
4.1.1 OVERALL DESIGN 
This is a prospective, bilateral, non-dispensing, non-randomized pilot study that will seek to 
successfully complete 10 dry eye and 10 non-dry eye participants who do not wear contact lenses. 
More participants are likely will be screened due to the potential for screen failure. The study will 
involve 2 scheduled visits over 2 days.  
Visit 1: Screening visit 
Visit 2: Data collection, including instillation of the study eye drop 



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BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
12 
3. Is willing and able to follow instructions and maintain the appointment schedule; 
4. Is willing to be awake for at least 2 hours before visit 2; 
5. Is willing not to wear eye makeup on the day of visit 2; 
6. Is willing not to use eye drops or artificial tears on the days of visits 1 or 2; 
7. Group specific criteria:  
a. Dry eye participant group: Symptoms: OSDI ³ 13 and Signs: NIKBUT ≤ 5 s in the 
worst eye  
b. Non-dry eye participant group: Symptoms: OSDI < 13 and Signs: NIKBUT ≥ 10 s 
in the worst eye 
A person will be excluded from the study if he/she: 
1. Is participating in any concurrent clinical or research study; 
2. Has any known active* ocular disease and/or infection; 
3. Has a systemic condition that in the opinion of the investigator may affect a study 
outcome variable; 
4. Is using any systemic or topical medications that in the opinion of the investigator may 
affect a study outcome variable; 
5. Has known sensitivity to sodium fluorescein dye; 
6. Is pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy at the time of enrolment (by verbal 
confirmation at the screening visit); 
7. Is aphakic; 
8. Has undergone refractive error surgery; 
9. Has undergone ocular surgery in the last 6 months; 
10. Has punctal plugs; 
11. Has a known sensitivity to SystaneÒ eye drops (including SystaneÒ Balance, SystaneÒ 
Complete, SystaneÒ Gel Drops, SystaneÒ Ultra, etc.)  
12. Has a known sensitivity to petroleum jelly (Vaseline); 
13. Has epilepsy and/or sensitivity to flashing lights; 
14. Has worn contact lenses within the past month or is planning to wear contact lenses 
during the study; 
15. Has any physical impairment that would interfere with holding the evaporimeter; 
16. Has taken part in another clinical research study involving ocular drops or treatments 
within the last 14 days; 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
13 
* For the purposes of this study, active ocular disease is defined as infection or inflammation 
which requires therapeutic treatment. Mild (i.e. not considered clinically relevant) lid 
abnormalities (blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, papillae), corneal and conjunctival 
staining and dry eye are not considered active ocular disease. Neovascularization and corneal 
scars are the result of previous hypoxia, infection or inflammation and are therefore not active. 
4.2.4 REPEATED SCREENINGS 
In some circumstances a repeated screening may need to be scheduled. Examples include, but 
are not limited to: 
1. Incomplete information available at time of screening to determine eligibility (e.g. history 
from current eye care practitioner etc.) 
2. Study procedures unable to be completed in time scheduled for visit; 
3. Study products not available at the time of the screening visit; 
4. A transient health condition which may affect the eye(s) (e.g. a common cold, active 
allergies, fatigue etc;) 
5. The short term use of medications (e.g. antibiotics, antihistamines etc.) 
6. Reassessment of baseline ocular conditions (e.g. corneal and/or conjunctival staining, 
scars etc.) 
The maximum total number of screenings permitted will be 2 (i.e. 1 repeated screening is 
allowed). 
4.3 STUDY MATERIALS 
4.3.1 LENSES 
No lenses will be dispensed in this study.  
4.3.2 LENS CARE SYSTEM 
No lens care system will be used in this study.  
4.3.3 LUBRICATING DROPS 
Participants will not be encouraged to use lubricating drops; however, those who habitually use 
lubricating drops will be allowed to continue using their normal drops, except for on the day of the 
screening visit (Visit 1) and on the day of data collection (Visit 2). Lubricating drop use will be 
recorded at each visit. In the event of an adverse event, lubricating drops may be given to 
participants.  


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
14 
Table 1: Lubricating drop details 
Eye drop 
SystaneÒ Complete 
Manufacturer 
Alcon 
HC License #: 
100469 
Device class: 
2 
Active ingredients: 
Propylene glycol 0.6% 
Preservative: 
POLYQUAD 0.001% 
 
4.3.4 ORDERING CONSUMABLES 
Study products will be obtained through commercial sources. 
4.3.5 DISPOSING OF CONSUMABLES 
Study products will be disposed of according to UW guidelines.  
4.3.6 PRODUCT ACCOUNTABILITY 
Accountability logs will be kept to include the number bottles received, used, and unused. All 
products dispensed to participants will be recorded in the study binder. 
4.4 SCHEDULED AND UNSCHEDULED VISITS 
This study has a total of 2 study visits, including the screening visit. 
• 
Visit 1: Screening 
• 
Visit 2: Data collection, including instillation of the study eye drop 
4.4.1 STUDY VISITS 
This study has a total of 2 study visits, including the screening visit. Visit 2 will be scheduled up to 
14 days after the screening visit (Visit 1). The total time commitment for the scheduled visits is 4 
hours of active participation. The summary of visit codes is shown in Table 2. 
Table 2: Summary of visit codes 
Visit # 
Visit code 
Study 
Day 
Visits 
Duration (hours) 
1 
V1  
(V1-R1 for 
rescreening) 
1 
Screening  
1.5 
2 
2 
2 
Data collection & study exit 
2.5 
 
4.4.2 VISIT 1: SCREENING  


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
15 
All participants who signed the informed consent letter will be assigned a study ID number. The 
investigator will determine participant eligibility using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ineligible 
participants will be discontinued from the study. The procedures to be performed are outlined 
below:  
• 
Participants will attend the screening visit having not used any eye drops or artificial tears 
on the day of the visit.  
• 
The participant will be required to read and sign an Informed Consent Form prior to 
enrollment. When the participant has signed the consent form, the participant will be 
considered to be enrolled in the study.  
• 
Participant demographics and medical history (age, sex, current dry eye treatments, 
medical conditions, medications, allergies) 
• 
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire 
• 
Monocular and binocular logMAR visual acuity will be recorded with high contrast letters 
under high illumination with spectacles (if necessary).  
• 
Tear meniscus height (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
The investigator will confirm that the participant meets the eligibility specifications set out 
in the inclusion criteria to be categorized as either a dry eye or non-dry eye participant. 
Participants who do not meet this criteria will be discharged and will not continue with the 
remainder of the screening visit.  
• 
Lipid layer thickness (EASYTEAR®view+) 
• 
Assessment of meibomian gland secretion and expression 
• 
Lid margin assessment 
• 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy 
• 
Meibography (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Anterior eye photographs of each eye will be taken with a slit lamp camera. 
• 
Participants will practice evaporimetry measurements. 
• 
Measurement of volume within the goggle. 
• 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy (safety check). 
• 
Monocular and binocular logMAR visual acuity will be recorded with high contrast letters 
under high illumination with spectacles (if necessary). 
• 
The investigator will confirm that the participant meets the eligibility specifications set out 
in the inclusion and exclusion criteria and is eligible to continue with the study.  


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
16 
4.4.3 VISIT 2: DATA COLLECTION  
• 
Participants will attend the visit having been awake for at least 2 hours.  
• 
Participants will not have used any eye drops or artificial tears on the day of the visit.  
• 
Participants will also not have worn any eye makeup on the day of the visit.  
• 
Participants who have used eye drops or artificial tears or have worn eye makeup will be 
rescheduled.  
• 
Monocular and binocular visual acuity will be recorded with high contrast letters under 
high illumination with spectacles (if necessary).  
• 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy using white light.  
• 
Participants will be required to adapt to the room environment for at least 15 minutes 
prior to reporting subjective monocular ratings and performing baseline evaporimetry 
measurements. The participant will apply thin layer of petroleum jelly will be applied to 
the skin surrounding the eye using a cotton tipped applicator to minimize the amount of 
evaporation from the skin. 
• 
The participant will be asked to give subjective monocular ratings for: 
o Comfort 
o Dryness 
o Burning or stinging 
• 
Tear meniscus height (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Baseline evaporimetry measurements  
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiViewÒ II) 
• 
At least 20 minutes after the initial baseline measurement, the participant will be asked to 
give subjective monocular ratings for: 
o Comfort 
o Dryness 
o Burning or stinging 
• 
Tear meniscus height (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Repeated baseline evaporimetry measurements 
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiViewÒ II) 
• 
The participant will wipe away petroleum jelly from the skin surrounding the ocular 
surface using a tissue. 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
17 
• 
One drop of SystaneÒ Complete will be instilled into each eye.  
• 
The participant will apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the skin surrounding the eye 
using a cotton tipped applicator to minimise the amount of evaporation from the skin. 
• 
10 minutes after instillation of the eye drop, the participant will be asked to give 
subjective monocular ratings for: 
o Comfort 
o Dryness 
o Burning or stinging 
• 
Tear meniscus height (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Evaporimetry measurements  
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiViewÒ II) 
• 
30 minutes after instillation of the eye drop, the participant will be asked to give 
subjective monocular ratings for: 
o Comfort 
o Dryness 
o Burning or stinging 
• 
Tear meniscus height (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Evaporimetry measurements  
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiViewÒ II) 
• 
60 minutes after instillation of the eye drop, the participant will be asked to give 
subjective monocular ratings for: 
o Comfort 
o Dryness 
o Burning or stinging 
• 
Tear meniscus height (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Evaporimetry measurements 
• 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time (OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M) 
• 
Lipid layer thickness (TearScience LipiViewÒ II) 
• 
The participant will wipe away the petroleum from surrounding the ocular surface using a 
tissue. 
• 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy 


 
BULLDOG Protocol 31jul2019 
 
18 
• 
Exit monocular and binocular logMAR visual acuity will be recorded with high contrast 
letters under high illumination with spectacles (if necessary). 
Study Exit 
• 
The study exit form will be completed when a participant exits the study. This will occur 
either at study completion, or if the participant is discontinued from the study at another 
time. A study exit form must be completed for all participants who have been given a 
study number. If in the opinion of the investigator post-study follow-up visits are required, 
the exit form will be completed after the last follow-up visit.  
• 
The participant will be discharged and will sign the study completion forms and receive 
remuneration for participating in the study.  
4.4.4 UNSCHEDULED VISITS 
An unscheduled visit is defined as an interim visit requested by the participant or investigator 
due to an unanticipated problem. Data recorded at these visits will be entered into the database. 
Only relevant and applicable unscheduled visit information will be included in the final report as 
deemed necessary by the lead investigator.  
4.5 STUDY PROCEDURES 
Table 3 summarizes the visits and procedures for the study.  
Table 3: Summary of procedures to be conducted at scheduled visits 
Procedure 
Visit 1 
Visit 2 
Instrument/application 
Informed consent (screening) 
√ 
 
Investigator 
Demographics 
√ 
 
Investigator 
Medical history 
√ 
√ 
Investigator 
Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) 
√ 
 
Questionnaire (paper) 
VA with spectacles (if necessary) 
√ 
√ 
Visual acuity chart 
Tear meniscus height 
√ 
√ 
OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M 
Non-invasive KeratographÒ break up time 
(NIKBUT) 
√ 
√ 
OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M 
Lipid layer thickness 
√ 
 
EASYTEARÒview+ 
Meibomian gland assessment 
√ 
 
Meibomian Gland Evaluator (lower lid) 


 
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19 
Procedure 
Visit 1 
Visit 2 
Instrument/application 
Lid margin assessment 
√ 
 
Slit lamp 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy (with staining) 
√ 
√ 
Slit lamp 
Meibography 
√ 
 
OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M 
Anterior eye photography 
√ 
 
Slit lamp and camera 
Evaporimetry practice 
√ 
 
Prototype evaporimeter 
Measurement of volume inside the goggle 
√ 
 
Modified swimming goggle 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy (safety with 
staining) 
√ 
 
Slit lamp 
Confirmation of inclusion/exclusion criteria 
√ 
 
Investigator 
Slit lamp biomicroscopy (white light)  
 
√ 
Slit lamp 
Subjective assessment (comfort, dryness, 
burning/stinging)  
 
√ 
Questionnaire (paper) 
Evaporimetry 
 
√ 
Prototype evaporimeter 
Lipid layer thickness  
 
√ 
TearScience LipiViewÒ II 
Application of petroleum jelly 
 
√ 
Participant 
Removal of petroleum jelly 
 
√ 
Participant 
Instillation of eye drop 
 
√ 
Investigator 
Study completion and exit 
 
√ 
N/A 
 
4.5.1 DEMOGRAPHICS  
Demographic information will be obtained from the participant, including age and sex. 
4.5.2 MEDICAL HISTORY 
At the screening visit, medical history questions to determine any current medications, current dry 
eye treatments, allergies and relevant medical conditions will be asked and documented. At 
subsequent visits, participants will be asked about changes in their medication or medical 
condition(s). 
4.5.3 OCULAR SURFACE DISEASE INDEX (OSDI) QUESTIONNAIRE 


 
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20 
The OSDI is a dry eye questionnaire that asks the participant to reflect and rate their symptoms 
of eye dryness in different working conditions and environments over the past week. A higher 
composite score indicates more severe dryness and scores can range from 0 to 100. A score of 
<13 will be considered asymptomatic and a score ³13 will be symptomatic.  
4.5.4 LOGMAR VISUAL ACUITY  
Distance logMAR visual acuity will be measured using high contrast computer-generated acuity 
charts in high illumination room lighting. Participants will be asked to read letters, which 
progressively decrease in size on a computer screen at a viewing distance of 6 meters, with their 
habitual glasses (if necessary). 
4.5.5 TEAR MENISCUS HEIGHT (TMH) 
The participant will be seated in front of the OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M (K5M) with their chin on 
the chin rest and head against the forehead rest. The investigator will select the Tear Meniscus 
Height feature from the TF-Scan section on the K5M. The infrared (IR) illumination setting will be 
used. The camera will be adjusted so the tear meniscus is in the centre of the image. The device 
will project rings of light (Placido discs) onto the tear film. The participant will be instructed to look 
straight ahead and an image of each eye will be taken. TMH will be calculated as the average of 
two measures taken using the on-screen calipers.  
4.5.6 OBJECTIVE NON-INVASIVE KERATOGRAPHÒ BREAK UP TIME (NIKBUT) 
The participant will be seated in front of the OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M with their chin on the chin 
rest and head against the forehead rest. The investigator will select the NIKBUT feature from the 
TF-Scan section on the K5M. The participant will be instructed to blink twice and then keep looking 
straight ahead while keeping their eyes open for as long as they can. The K5M software will 
automatically display the time passed from the second blink until the first distortion of the rings. 
Three measurements will be taken from each eye and the median value will used for each eye.  
4.5.7 LIPID LAYER THICKNESS (EASYTEAR®VIEW+) 
The participant will be seated at a slit lamp and a diffuse white light will be shone onto the 
participant’s eye. Lipid layer thickness will be graded according to the interference pattern 
observed based on Guillon and Guillon’s classification system7 (open meshwork, closed 
meshwork, wave, amorphous, colour fringe, and other). 
4.5.8 MEIBOMIAN GLAND ASSESSMENT  


 
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21 
Participants will be seated at a slit lamp biomicroscope with the magnification set to 10x or 16x. 
The participant will be asked to look up and away from their nose. The meibomian glands will be 
manually expressed using the MG Evaluator (TearScience/J&J). The MG Evaluator will be 
depressed halfway to apply a pressure of 1.2 g/mm2 to the centre of the lower eyelid just below 
the lash line and angled down approximately 15 to 45 degrees. The MG Evaluator will be 
depressed halfway to apply a pressure of 1.2 g/mm2 to three separate areas (nasal, central, 
temporal) on the lower eyelid just below the lash line and angled down approximately 15 to 45 
degrees. Five consecutive glands in each area will be assessed for quality and quantity of 
expression. Quality of expression will be graded as follows using a modified scale based on Bron 
and Snibson8: 0: clear fluid, 1: cloudy fluid, 2: cloudy particulate fluid, 3: inspissated, like toothpaste 
and 4: waxy, inexpressible. The results for each eye will be summed. The number of meibomian 
glands yielding lipid secretion will be graded as follows for each eye: 0: >75% (almost all), 1: 50 – 
75% (more than half), 2: 25 – 50% (less than half), 3: <25% (only a few), and 4: ~0% (close to 
none).     
4.5.9 LID MARGIN ASSESSMENT 
The participant will be seated at a slit lamp biomicroscope. 
Vascularity of the margin (erythema)  
The vascularity of the lid margin will be graded (0-4 scale; 0: none, 1: minimal, 2: mild, 3: moderate, 
4: severe). 
Amount of lash loss 
The amount of lash loss will be assessed (0-4 scale; 0: none, 1: minimal, 2: mild, 3: moderate, 4: 
severe). 
Lid margin edema 
The presence or absence of lid margin edema will be recorded. 
Lid margin telangiectasia 
Lid margin telangiectasia will be graded (0-4 scale, 0: none; 1: single telangiectasia; 2: 2 to 5 
telangiectasia; 3: >5 telangiectasia; 4: severe - entire lid involvement). 
Tear film debris 
The presence or absence of tear film debris will be recorded. 


 
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22 
4.5.10 SLIT LAMP BIOMICROSCOPY 
A slit lamp biomicroscopy examination will be conducted to assess anterior segment ocular health. 
Ocular findings will be graded using the Efron grading scale (0-4, 0.5 steps – unless otherwise 
stated): 
External adnexa anomalies 
The presence or absence of external adnexa anomalies will be recorded. If adnexa anomalies are 
detected, the anomaly will be described. 
Bulbar and limbal hyperemia 
The redness of the bulbar and limbal conjunctiva of both eyes will be assessed using the Efron 
Grading scale (0 to 4, 0.5 steps).  
Scars or other corneal observations 
The presence or absence of scars or other corneal observations will be recorded. If scars or other 
corneal observations are detected, the finding(s) will be described. 
Infiltrates 
The presence or absence of infiltrates will be recorded. If present, the number and location will be 
recorded. The size (diameter in mm) and depth of the largest infiltrate (0-4 scale, 1 step) in the 
central, mid-periphery and periphery will be noted.  
Endothelium abnormalities: 
The presence or absence of endothelium abnormalities will be recorded. If endothelium 
abnormalities are detected, the finding(s) will be described. 
Anterior chamber 
The presence or absence of anterior chamber reaction will be recorded. If an anterior chamber 
reaction is detected, the finding(s) will be described. 
Other abnormalities 
The presence or absence of other abnormalities will be recorded. If other abnormalities are 
detected, the finding(s) will be described. 
Corneal and conjunctival staining  
A sodium fluorescein strip, wetted with a few drops of saline, will be applied to the superior bulbar 
conjunctiva of both eyes. Corneal staining type will be graded using the Efron scale (0 to 4, 0.5 


 
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23 
steps), staining extent and depth will be graded on a 0 to 4 scale (1 step increment) while viewing 
with cobalt blue light and Wratten filter (if available). Conjunctival staining will be graded using a 
0 to 4 scale (0.5 steps), with larger values indicating increasing severity. 
Palpebral conjunctival hyperemia and papillae (roughness) 
The redness and roughness of the upper and lower eyelids will be assessed using the Efron scale 
(0 to 4, 0.5 steps). 
4.5.11 MEIBOGRAPHY 
While seated at the OCULUS KeratographÒ 5M, the participant will be asked to place their chin 
on the chin rest and head against the forehead rest. The lower lid will be everted with the 
investigator’s thumb to expose as much of the palpebral conjunctiva as possible. At least one clear 
infrared image will be taken of the exposed palpebral surface. The upper lid will be everted with a 
cotton tipped applicator and at least one clear image will be taken. The amount of missing 
glandular tissue in each lid will be graded from the images using the following Arita et al. scale: 
Grade 0 =  no MG loss, Grade 1 = area of loss less than 1/3 of the total MG area, Grade 2 = area 
of loss between 1/3 and 2/3 of the total MG area and Grade 3 = area of loss greater than 2/3 of 
the total MG area.10 The grade of the lower lid and upper lid will be summed for each eye (Total 
Meiboscore).  
4.5.12 ANTERIOR EYE PHOTOGRAPHS 
The participant will be seated at a Zeiss slit lamp attached to a Canon EOS 60D digital camera. A 
photograph of each eye will be taken at 5x magnification with additional external illumination 
provided by a Canon Macro Twin Lite flash. The participant will hold a ruler underneath each eye 
while the photographs are taken. The ruler will serve as a calibration reference when the images 
are analysed with ImageJ in order to determine the size of the ocular surface in mm2. The ruler 
will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe prior to being given to each participant.  
4.5.13 MEASUREMENT OF VOLUME INSIDE THE GOGGLE 
The participant will be seated in a consulting chair and will be asked to rest their head on the 
headrest. A pair of swimming goggles (Arena Zoom X-Fit), which are the same make and model 
as the prototype evaporimeter, will be used. The swimming goggle has been modified by drilling 
a small hole into the top of each lens. The participant will be asked to place the goggle over both 
eyes and to tighten the strap. A plastic, needleless syringe, with a 200 µl pipette tip attached to 
the end of the syringe, will be filled with saline (Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes Saline Plus). 


 
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24 
Participants will be asked to keep their eyes closed while saline is added to the goggle. Saline will 
be added to each swimming goggle until the goggle has been filled with saline. The amount of 
saline added to each goggle will be recorded in milliliters. When the goggle is ready to be removed, 
the participant will be advised to tilt their head forward and continue to keep their eyes closed. A 
plastic tub will be placed below the participant’s face and paper towels will be placed around the 
goggle to catch any saline that may spill out of the goggle. When the goggle has been removed, 
the participant will be advised to wipe their face with a paper towel while their eyes are kept closed. 
The swimming goggle will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe prior to use on each participant. A new 
syringe will be used for each participant. New saline and a new pipette tip be used to fill each 
goggle.  
4.5.14 SLIT LAMP BIOMICROSCOPY (SAFETY VARIABLE)  
The participant will be seated at a slit lamp at the following will be assessed in both eyes for:  
External adnexa anomalies 
The presence or absence of external adnexa anomalies will be recorded. If adnexa anomalies are 
detected, the anomaly will be described. 
Bulbar and limbal hyperemia 
The redness of the bulbar and limbal conjunctiva of both eyes will be assessed using the Efron 
Grading scale (0 to 4, 0.5 steps).  
Scars or other corneal observations 
The presence or absence of scars or other corneal observations will be recorded. If scars or other 
corneal observations are detected, the finding(s) will be described. 
Infiltrates 
The presence or absence of infiltrates will be recorded. If present, the number and location will be 
recorded. The size (diameter in mm) and depth of the largest infiltrate (0-4 scale, 1 step) in the 
central, mid-periphery and periphery will be noted.  
Corneal and conjunctival staining 
A sodium fluorescein strip, wetted with a few drops of saline, will be applied to the superior bulbar 
conjunctiva of both eyes. Corneal staining type will be graded using the Efron scale (0 to 4, 0.5 
steps), staining extent and depth will be graded on a (0 to 4 scale, 1 step) while viewing with cobalt 


 
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25 
blue light and Wratten filter (if available). Conjunctival staining will be graded using a 0 to 4 scale 
(0.5 steps), with larger values indicating increasing severity. 
4.5.15 APPLICATION OF PETROLEUM JELLY   
Petroleum jelly will be removed from the original container using a cotton tipped applicator and 
placed in a new paper cup for each participant. Another cotton tipped applicator will be given to 
each participant to apply thin layer of petroleum jelly to the skin surrounding the eye using a mirror. 
A new cotton tipped applicator and paper cup will be used for each application. Any remaining 
petroleum jelly will be disposed of according to UW guidelines.  
4.5.16 REMOVAL OF PETROLEUM JELLY   
To remove petroleum jelly from the skin, the participant will close their eyes and wipe with a tissue 
in a nasal to temporal direction, with extra care being paid when wiping near the lid margin to 
avoid contaminating the tear film.  
4.5.17 SUBJECTIVE COMFORT RATINGS 
Participants will be asked to fill a numerical analog scale for comfort, dryness, and burning or 
stinging for each eye on a 0-100 scale at the following time points during Visit 2:  
• 
Before eye drop instillation (prior to the first baseline evaporimetry measurement) 
• 
Before eye drop instillation (at least 20 minutes after the initial baseline evaporimetry 
measurement) 
• 
10 minutes after eye drop instillation 
• 
30 minutes after eye drop instillation 
• 
60 minutes after eye drop instillation 
4.5.18 EVAPORIMETRY 
The participant will be seated at an adjustable height table and will place their elbows on the table. 
The participant will hold a pair of modified swimming goggles (Figures 1A and 1B) over their eyes 
for 20 seconds while their eyes are open. The participant will be prompted to blink every 3 seconds 
during the measurement using a metronome (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ypeNJJeKIs). 
The goggle will be removed and ventilated in front of a fan until the relative humidity returns to 
baseline levels. The goggle will then be placed over the eyes for 20 seconds while they are closed 
to measure the evaporation rate from the skin. Three consecutive measurements of open eye and 
closed eye measurements will be taken. Recordings of the temperature and relative humidity 
during the measurement will be saved as a word document and images of the temperature and 


 
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26 
humidity versus time plotted as a graph will be saved as a png file. The rate of tear evaporation 
will be calculated from slope derived from the change in relative humidity over time. The 
evaporation rate from the ocular surface will be calculated by subtracting the evaporation rate of 
closed eye from the evaporation rate of the open eye. The average of three ocular surface 
evaporation rates will be calculated for each eye.  
 
Figure 1: (A) Evaporimeter with arrows showing the location of the temperature/humidity sensors in the swimming goggle. 
(B) View of the front of the evaporimeter.  
4.5.19 LIPID LAYER THICKNESS (TEARSCIENCE LIPIVIEWÒ II) 
The participant will be seated at the LipiViewÒ II instrument which will image and compute the 
lipid layer thickness (average, minimum, maximum) of the tear film. Prior to the commencement 
of this test, no history of seizures or discomfort with rapidly blinking lights will be confirmed. 
4.5.20 INSTILLATION OF EYE DROP  
A bottle of SYSTANEÒ Complete will be well shaken. A couple of drops of SYSTANEÒ Complete 
will be transferred to a microtube. The participant will be asked to sit in a consulting chair with their 
head against the headrest and to tilt their chin up. The participant will be asked to look up and 
A 
B


 
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27 
towards their nose. The lower lid will be lowered and 15 µl of SYSTANEÒ Complete will be 
pipetted into the temporal side of the right eye. The participant will be asked to blink their eyes 
after the eye drop has been instilled.  The process will be repeated with a new pipette tip to instil 
15 µl of the eye drop into the left eye. A new microtube will be used for each participant.  
5 
MONITORING PROTOCOL ADHERENCE 
Guidelines to be included on adherence to visit windows and windows around other data collection 
points (i.e. subjective ratings). Procedures for monitoring and reporting deviations from the 
windows described in the protocol. 
6 
POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS TO HUMAN PARTICIPANTS 
This is a minimal risk study because of the use of marketed products, standard optometric 
assessments, and the use of two investigational non-invasive devices (the prototype evaporimeter 
and the modified swimming goggles used to measure volume). 
It is possible that participants may experience temporary discomfort associated with the study 
procedures/devices/eye drops including: eye pain, burning and stinging, blurred vision, sandiness 
or grittiness, itching, irritation, redness light sensitivity, dryness, itching, crusty eyes, and foreign 
body sensation.  
A dye (fluorescein) normally used to eye exams is being used in this study. Although rare, it is 
possible that participants may have an allergic reaction to the dye. This could cause discomfort to 
their eye.  
Routine clinical procedures including visual acuity, anterior ocular health assessment, and 
meibography will be used.  
One clinical procedure (evaporimetry) will be conducted with an investigational device consisting 
of a pair of modified swimming goggles containing a temperature and humidity sensor embedded 
in each lens of the goggle. This procedure poses minimal risk to the participants as the device is 
does not touch the eye and the portion of the goggle which will come in contact with the skin 
surrounding the eye will be cleaned with alcohol wipes between each use. Participants may 
experience temporary discomfort associated with petroleum jelly including; burning, stinging, 
irritation, blurred vision, and foreign body sensation.  
One clinical procedure (measurement of volume inside the goggle) will be conducted with an 
investigational device consisting of a pair of modified swimming goggles containing small hole 


 
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28 
inserted into the top of each lens. This procedure poses minimal risk to the participants as the 
device is does not touch the eye and the portion of the goggle which will come in contact with the 
skin surrounding the eye will be cleaned with alcohol wipes between each use. Commercially 
available saline designed for use with the eyes will be inserted into the goggle. Participants may 
experience temporary discomfort associated with saline including; burning, stinging, irritation, 
blurred vision, and foreign body sensation.  
One of the instruments in this study uses rapidly blinking lights to image the tear film. Participants 
will be asked to inform the investigator if they have a history of discomfort and seizures due to 
rapidly blinking lights. Participants may experience temporary discomfort including: blurred vision 
and light sensitivity. 
Participants may not benefit directly from taking part in this study. Information from this study may 
help researchers come up with a new device to help others with dry eye in the future. This study 
may also help CORE to better understand the performance of the products being used in this 
study. 
7 
ADVERSE EVENTS 
See CORE SOP012_v02 for a description of all adverse events, including management and 
reporting. 
A number of conditions may result in temporary suspension until resolution. These include corneal 
infiltrates, corneal staining, limbal injection, bulbar injection or tarsal conjunctival abnormalities.   
8 
DISCONTINUATION FROM THE STUDY 
Participants may be discontinued at the discretion of the investigator or sponsor in consideration 
of participant safety or protocol compliance, or at discretion of the participant.  Participants 
discontinued from a study will be reimbursed $20 per hour for their active involvement in the study 
(including the initial screening visit).  Upon discontinuing, a participant will be offered the option of 
their data being withdrawn from future statistical analysis. The following is a list of possible reasons 
for discontinuation from the study: 
• 
Screening failure: Participants will be discontinued if they do not meet the inclusion and 
exclusion criteria outlined in section 4.2.3. 
• 
Unacceptable performance with products to be used in study: Participants may be 
discontinued if they are unable to achieve acceptable comfort and /or vision with the 
study products. 


 
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29 
• 
Positive slit lamp finding:  Participants may be permanently discontinued from the study 
depending on the severity of the condition and on the judgement of the investigator.   
• 
Adverse event: If a participant experiences an adverse event during the study they may 
be discontinued based on the clinical judgement of the investigator. 
• 
Symptoms: If the participant has persistent symptoms they may be discontinued based 
on the clinical judgement of the investigator. 
• 
Disinterest, relocation or illness:  The participant may choose to discontinue due to 
reasons within or beyond their control. 
• 
Violation of protocol or non-compliance:  The participant will be discontinued if they are 
unable or unwilling to follow the protocol specified visit schedules and/or study 
procedures. 
• 
Instillation of topical ocular medication:  The participant will be discontinued if they elect 
to use a topical ocular medication during the study unless that topical ocular medication 
is prescribed for a limited duration (less than two weeks) to treat a transient condition; in 
this case the participant may remain an active participant (at the discretion of the 
investigator) after stopping topical ocular medication following resolution of the ocular 
condition). 
• 
Lost to follow-up:  The participant will be discontinued if they cannot be contacted and do 
not return for a final exit visit, and if the investigator has made a reasonable effort to 
contact the participant for a final study visit. 
• 
Premature termination of the study by CORE or the Office of Research Ethics at the 
University of Waterloo. 
A discontinuation form, stating the reason for discontinuation will be completed, which requires 
the signatures of both the participant and the investigator except where the participant is lost to 
follow-up in which case only the signature of the investigator is required.   
All discontinuations including their reasons will be included in the final report. 
9 
STUDY COMPLETION AND REMUNERATION 
At the last scheduled protocol visit a study completion form will be completed, which requires the 
signatures of both the participant and the investigator. The participants will also be provided with 
a letter of appreciation.    


 
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30 
Once their involvement in the study is complete, participants will be informed about receiving 
feedback following study completion in the Letter of Appreciation. 
Participant remuneration will be $80 for completing the study. 
10 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND DATA MANAGEMENT 
10.1 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 
All data will be analyzed by CORE at the University of Waterloo using Microsoft Excel and 
statistical analysis software such as GraphPad and SPSS. Interim data analysis will be conducted 
after 10 dry eye and 10 non-dry eye participants have completed the study to calculate the final 
sample size. Descriptive statistics will be provided on information regarding baseline variables 
(age, sex, etc.). Table 4 lists the primary outcome variables and anticipated statistical procedures. 
Table 4: Outcome variables and anticipated statistical procedures 
Variable 
Analysis 
Statistical test 
Tear evaporation rate 
Change in relative humidity over time  
Slope 
Tear evaporation rate/Time 
Effect of eye drop  
RMANOVA  
Mauchly's test of sphericity  
Greenhouse-Geisser p values 
Tukey HSD post hocs 
Paired t-test 
Tear evaporation rate/ OSDI/ 
Subjective ratings/ Tear 
meniscus height/ Non-
invasive KeratographÒ break 
up time/ Lipid layer thickness/ 
Area of the ocular surface 
Relationship between tear 
evaporation rate and OSDI/ 
Subjective comfort, dryness, and 
burning/stinging/ Other tear film 
assessments/ Area of the ocular 
surface 
Pearson correlation – r  
Tear evaporation rate/Volume 
inside the goggle 
Relationship between tear 
evaporation rate and volume inside 
the goggle  
Spearman correlation - rho 
 
10.2 DATA MANAGEMENT 
Data from this study will be retained by CORE for a minimum of 25 years on a password-protected 
server. After 25 years, data will be disposed of in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the 
University of Waterloo.  


 
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31 
10.3 COMMENTS ON SOURCE DOCUMENTS 
Data analysis will not be conducted on comments which have been recorded in the source 
documents. Only relevant and applicable comments will be included in the final report as deemed 
necessary by the lead investigator.  
11 PROTOCOL TRAINING 
All study personnel will be required to complete training prior to their involvement in the study. A 
series of training modules will be developed for the study and records of training will be kept at 
CORE. 
12 STUDY MONITORING 
Study monitoring will be conducted by CORE personnel. Consent documentation will be reviewed 
by a person not involved in the consent process. To improve data integrity, data will be double 
entered and the entries will be compared for discrepancies. All adverse events and protocol 
deviations will be reviewed by the Lead Investigator. All serious adverse events and major protocol 
deviations will be reviewed by the Principal Investigator. 
13 STUDY MANAGEMENT 
13.1 STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 
This clinical study is designed to be in compliance with the ethical principles in the Declaration of 
Helsinki, with the ICH guidelines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP), with the University of 
Waterloo’s Guidelines for Research with Human Participants and with the Tri-Council Policy 
Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, 2nd Edition. 
• 
Declaration of Helsinki 
• 
ICH E6 - International Conference on Harmonisation; Good Clinical Practice 
• 
http://iris.uwaterloo.ca/ethics/human/guidelines/index.htm 
• 
http://iris.uwaterloo.ca/ethics/human/ethicsReview/UWStatement.htm 
• 
http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique/initiatives/tcps2-eptc2/Default/ 
 
13.2 ETHICS REVIEW 
This protocol will be submitted to and reviewed through the Office of Research Ethics (ORE) at 
the University of Waterloo. Notification of ethics clearance of the application is required prior to 
the commencement of the study. 


 
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32 
13.3 CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION 
CORE will register this study with clinicaltrials.gov.  
13.4 PROTOCOL DEVIATIONS 
Protocol deviations are unanticipated or unintentional changes to a study after it has received prior 
sponsor approval and ethics clearance. Protocol deviations can be major or minor.  
13.4.1 MAJOR PROTOCOL DEVIATIONS 
Major protocol deviations may impact the research protocol, information consent document or 
other study materials, usually cannot be anticipated ahead of time and are often necessary to 
ensure the safety and welfare of the participants. 
The following are examples of protocol deviations that must be reported to the ORE: 
• 
Changes in procedures initiated to eliminate immediate risks/hazards to participants; 
• 
Enrollment of participants outside the protocol inclusion/exclusion criteria whether agreed 
to or not by the sponsor; 
• 
Medication / device / intervention errors (i.e. incorrect drug or dosage of drug); 
• 
Inadvertent deviation in specific research intervention procedures or timing of the 
research intervention which could impact upon the safety or efficacy of the study-related 
intervention or upon the experimental design; 
• 
Information consent documentation violations: no documentation of informed consent; 
incorrect version of, or incomplete, informed consent documentation used. 
13.4.2 MINOR PROTOCOL DEVIATIONS 
Protocol deviations caused by or which originate with research participants are considered minor, 
and normally are not reported to the ORE unless these result in increased risk to the participant(s). 
The following are examples of protocol deviations that are considered minor and do not require 
reporting to the ORE: 
• 
Logistical or administrative aspects of the study (e.g., study participant missed 
appointment, change in appointment date); 
• 
Inadvertent deviation in specific research intervention procedures or timing of the 
research intervention which would not impact upon the safety or efficacy of the study-
related intervention or upon the experimental design (i.e., missing a measurement during 
a session that is not considered critical for the study).  


 
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33 
13.4.3 REPORTING AND DOCUMENTING PROTCOL DEVIATIONS 
Major protocol deviations must be reported to the ORE within 7 days of the deviation occurring (or 
its discovery) using the Protocol Deviation Report Form 107 (PDRF).  Information from the PDRF 
is provided to the Clinical Research Ethics Committee (CREC) at the next monthly meeting. 
All protocol deviations (major and minor) occurring during the study will be documented and 
included in the final report. 
13.5 PREMATURE TERMINATION OF THE STUDY 
CORE or the Office of Research Ethics at the University of Waterloo may terminate the study at 
any time for any reason. 
13.6 STUDY PARTICIPANT RECORDS 
Study participant records will be completed to comply with GCP guidelines. Records will contain: 
• 
Unique study acronym and/or code; 
• 
Participant ID; 
• 
Date enrolled; 
• 
Confirmation by investigator that participant met eligibility criteria; 
• 
Confirmation that participant received a signed and dated copy of informed consent; 
• 
Exit date; 
• 
Investigator’s signature confirming study exit. 
13.7 RETENTION OF STUDY RECORDS AND DATA 
Records and data from this study will be retained for a minimum of 25 years. Details regarding 
storage procedures are given in CORE SOP014_v02_Clinical data management.  
14 REPORT 
A report will be generated after completion of the study. An internal reviewer will review the 
report.  
15 REFERENCES 
1. 
Stapleton, F., et al., TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. Ocul Surf, 2017. 15(3): p. 334-
365. 
2. 
Craig, J.P., et al., TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification report. Ocul Surf, 2017. 
15(3): p. 276-283. 


 
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34 
3. 
Jones, L., et al., TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. Ocul Surf, 2017. 
15(3): p. 575-628. 
4. 
Rohit, A., et al., Validating a new device for measuring tear evaporation rates. 
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