An instrument for in vivo tear film interferometry

An instrument has been designed and constructed that facilitates the measurement of in vivo tear film topology, thickness, and wetting, using the principles of thin film interferometry. The use of this tear film interferometer (TFI) allows objective evaluation of the breakup characteristics of the tear film on contact lens surfaces and provides a means for examining the dynamic changes in thickness, thickness distribution, and wetting properties during sequential interblink periods. The effects of contact lens material, wetting solutions, and cleaning regimens can be compared objectively. The instrument is easy to use, no additives to the natural tear fluid are required.