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Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging and Force Spectroscopy of Supported Lipid Bilayers
Published on: July 22, 2015
Novel tear interferometer made of paper for lipid layer evaluation
Ho Sik Hwang1, Eun Chul Kim, Man Soo Kim
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea; †Department of Ophthalmology, Bucheon St Mary's Hospital College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea; and ‡Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
A novel interferometer effectively visualizes the corneal lipid layer, revealing thinner layers in dry eye syndrome patients. This low-cost tool aids in dry eye research and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The corneal lipid layer is crucial for tear film stability and ocular surface health.
- Dysfunctional lipid layers are implicated in various ocular surface diseases, including dry eye syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, low-cost interferometer for visualizing the corneal lipid layer.
- To present clinical data on the interferometer's application in different ocular conditions.
Main Methods:
- A simple interferometer was constructed from copy paper, featuring a handle, window, and illumination area.
- The device was used with a biomicroscope to observe lipid layer interference patterns on the cornea.
- The study included normal subjects and patients with dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, and ocular graft-versus-host disease.
Main Results:
- Normal subjects exhibited wave or amorphous lipid patterns (white/grey).
- Dry eye patients showed significantly thinner lipid layers (43 ± 9 nm) compared to normal subjects (59 ± 29 nm).
- Obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction showed a 30 nm lipid layer, while ocular graft-versus-host disease showed a 165 nm layer (brown/blue pattern).
Conclusions:
- The novel interferometer successfully captures lipid layer patterns without additional cost or equipment.
- This tool shows potential utility in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of dry eye disease.
- The examination was comfortable for patients, with no reported complications.
