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Corneal and conjunctival sensitivity to air stimuli
F Stapleton1, M E Tan, E B Papas
1Vision CRC, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia. F.Stapleton@visioncrc.org
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 19, 2004
Summary
Ocular surface sensitivity to air stimuli is repeatable and varies by location and temperature. High oxygen permeable contact lens wear increases conjunctival sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ocular Surface Disease
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Ocular surface sensitivity is crucial for maintaining ocular health and comfort.
- Understanding factors influencing sensitivity, such as contact lens wear, is important for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the repeatability of measuring ocular surface sensitivity using air stimuli.
- To investigate the impact of contact lens (CL) wear on ocular surface sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A prototype gas aesthesiometer was used to measure sensitivity to air stimuli at various ocular sites.
- Repeatability was assessed over 12 days, considering time of day and stimulus temperature.
- The effect of wearing low and high oxygen permeable contact lenses on sensitivity was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Ocular surface sensitivity demonstrated significant variations between different sites (central cornea, inferior cornea, inferior conjunctiva) and stimulus temperatures.
- Sensitivity also varied with the time of day.
- Wearing highly oxygen permeable contact lenses led to increased conjunctival sensitivity, while low oxygen permeable lenses had no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- The gas aesthesiometer provides repeatable measurements of ocular surface sensitivity.
- Contact lens wear, particularly with high oxygen permeability, can alter ocular surface sensitivity.