Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
04:00
Author Spotlight: Establishing a Practical and Cost-Effective Protocol for Corneal Sensitivity Testing in Clinical Settings
Published on: August 2, 2024
3.6K
Corneal Sensitivity in Tear Dysfunction and its Correlation With Clinical Parameters and Blink Rate
Effie Z Rahman1, Peter K Lam1, Chia-Kai Chu1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 11, 2015
Summary
Reduced corneal sensitivity in tear dysfunction is linked to increased irritation and ocular surface disease. Rapid blinking is also associated with worse eye conditions and tear instability.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Physiology
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Tear dysfunction encompasses various conditions affecting ocular surface health.
- Corneal sensitivity plays a crucial role in maintaining ocular comfort and integrity.
- Assessing corneal sensitivity aids in understanding the pathophysiology of dry eye disease and related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare corneal sensitivity in different types of tear dysfunction using contact and noncontact esthesiometry.
- To investigate correlations between corneal sensitivity, blink rate, and clinical indicators of ocular surface disease.
Main Methods:
- A comparative observational study included 10 normal subjects and 33 with tear dysfunction (meibomian gland disease, aqueous tear deficiency, Sjögren syndrome, conjunctivochalasis).
- Corneal sensitivity was measured using Cochet-Bonnet and air jet esthesiometers.
- Blink rate, tear break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface staining were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Aqueous tear deficiency showed significantly reduced corneal sensitivity compared to controls.
- Reduced corneal sensitivity correlated with increased irritation, faster TBUT, and greater ocular surface staining.
- Higher blink rates were observed in aqueous tear deficiency and conjunctivochalasis, correlating with worse ocular surface disease.
Conclusions:
- Reduced corneal sensitivity is a significant finding in certain tear dysfunction conditions, associated with greater ocular surface disease.
- Increased blink rate is linked to poorer tear stability and more severe ocular surface disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
38
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...
38
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
223
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...
223