Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 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
Using goggles to increase periocular humidity and reduce dry eye symptoms
Donald R Korb1, Caroline A Blackie
1TearScience, Inc., Morrisville, NC, USA.
Eye & Contact Lens
|June 18, 2013
Summary
Wearing goggles significantly improved dry eye symptoms by increasing periocular humidity. While the relief was temporary, this simple intervention offers a promising, transient solution for ocular comfort in dry eye patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dry Eye Disease Research
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition causing significant ocular discomfort.
- Current treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and improve tear film stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of swim goggles in enhancing periocular humidity.
- To assess the impact of increased humidity on dry eye symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 125 patients with symptomatic dry eye, divided into a test group (n=100) wearing swim goggles and a control group (n=25) wearing modified goggles.
- Ocular comfort was assessed via questionnaire at baseline, after 20 minutes of goggle wear, and 15 minutes post-removal.
Main Results:
- 99% of the test group reported symptom improvement while wearing goggles.
- Symptom recurrence was observed in 88% of the test group 15 minutes after goggle removal.
- Only 24% of the control group experienced symptom improvement during goggle wear.
Conclusions:
- Elevating periocular humidity provides a significant, albeit transient, improvement in ocular comfort for dry eye patients.
- Goggle use warrants consideration as a therapeutic strategy for chronic dry eye.
- Individual patient response to goggle wear may aid in personalized treatment planning.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...