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Tear film stability and tear surface tension
J M Tiffany1, N Winter, G Bliss
1Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, UK.
Current Eye Research
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Elevated tear surface tension is a key indicator of dry eye disease, correlating with reduced tear film stability. Measuring surface tension offers a simple method to help classify tear quality in dry eye patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent condition affecting tear film stability.
- Tear surface tension is a critical biophysical property influencing ocular surface health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and compare tear surface tension in normal and dry eyes.
- To assess the correlation between surface tension and tear film stability (NIBUT).
- To identify tear components contributing to surface tension variations.
Main Methods:
- Surface tension measurement using the Ferguson and Kennedy method on small tear samples (0.3-0.4 µL).
- Non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) measurement to assess tear film stability.
- Analysis of tear components' contribution to surface tension.
Main Results:
- Mean surface tension was significantly higher in dry eyes (49.6 mN/m) compared to normal eyes (43.6 mN/m).
- Dry eyes exhibited lower NIBUT values (8.9 sec) than normal eyes (≥30 sec in 53%).
- A negative correlation was observed between surface tension and NIBUT in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased tear surface tension is a characteristic of dry eye disease.
- Surface tension measurement, combined with NIBUT, aids in classifying tear quality.
- Mucin and proteins, particularly serum proteins in inflammation, significantly impact tear surface tension.