Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:29
Effect of Artificial Tear Formulations on the Metabolic Activity of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells after Exposure to Desiccation
Published on: May 2, 2020
Comparison of two artificial tear formulations using aberrometry
Jeffrey S Berger1, Kyle R Head, Thomas O Salmon
1Northeastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry, 1001 N Grand Avenue, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA.
Clinical & Experimental Optometry
|May 23, 2009
Summary
Artificial tears significantly impact eye aberrations, with higher viscosity formulations causing greater changes. This effect on visual quality is measurable and sustained for at least one minute.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Vision Science
Background:
- Investigates the impact of artificial tears on ocular aberrations.
- Focuses on the influence of tear viscosity in healthy eyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effect of different artificial tear viscosities on ocular aberrations.
- To assess the duration and magnitude of these effects.
Main Methods:
- Used aberrometry (COAS) to measure ocular aberrations in healthy subjects.
- Compared measurements of the naked eye with post-instillation of two artificial tears (varying viscosity).
- Analyzed Zernike coefficients for changes in spherical, astigmatic, and higher-order aberrations (HOA).
Main Results:
- Both artificial tears significantly increased HOA RMS and cylindrical power compared to the naked eye.
- A hyperopic shift in spherical equivalent was observed after artificial tear instillation.
- The more viscous tear (SystanePF) induced significantly higher HOA RMS and cylinder values than the less viscous tear (TheraTears).
Conclusions:
- Artificial tears measurably alter ocular aberrations in healthy eyes.
- The impact of artificial tears on aberrations is viscosity-dependent.
- These effects on visual quality are sustained for at least 60 seconds post-instillation.
