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Age-related modifications of corneal sensitivity
Anna M Roszkowska1, Pietro Colosi, Felicia M B Ferreri
1Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of the Surgical Specialties, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. anrosz@tiscalinet.it
Purpose:
To evaluate central and peripheral corneal sensitivity (CS) in relation to age.
Methods:
Five hundred eyes of 320 healthy subjects (185 males and 135 females) were examined. The age of participants ranged from 20 to 90 years. All subjects were divided into 3 groups according to age. CS was assessed with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer in the central cornea and in 8 peripheral points. The averages were used as the values of central and peripheral CS.
Results:
In the young population, CS was equal in both examined zones (p > 0.05); although, with respect to the periphery after the fifth decade, it was significantly higher in the centre (p < 0.05). Both central and peripheral sensitivity decreased with age (p < 0.05), and such variations are represented by parabolic curves. No differences were observed between males and females.
Conclusions:
The age-related decrement of CS involves at first the corneal periphery and successively spreads toward the central zone. Topographical distribution and age-related modifications should be considered in clinical investigations of CS, especially in patients who underwent any corneal surgical procedure.