Corneal temperature in normal subjects and arterial occlusive disease

A direct, thermo-electrical method of corneal temperature recording is presented. The corneal temperature averaged 33.7 degrees C in normal subjects, with no side difference and no difference between the sexes. The various parameters which may influence the corneal temperature are discussed. The technique was applied to groups of patients suffering from either polymyalgia rheumatica, central retinal artery embolism or temporal arteritis. In the latter group of patients a marked drop in corneal temperature was demonstrated in the affected, or most affected, eye. Corneal temperature measurements are therefore presented as an easy and effective diagnostic approach in temporal arteritis.