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Temperature of the hyperemic bulbar conjunctiva
1Department of Optometry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Current Eye Research
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Bulbar conjunctival hyperemia, or eye redness, is directly related to increased eye temperature. This study found a significant correlation between redness severity and conjunctival temperature changes in volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Physiology
Background:
- Bulbar conjunctival hyperemia is a common clinical sign.
- The relationship between ocular inflammation and temperature is not fully quantified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantitative relationship between bulbar conjunctival hyperemia and conjunctival temperature.
- To confirm the association between inflammation, rubor (redness), and calor (heat).
Main Methods:
- Induced bulbar conjunctival hyperemia in 18 volunteers using hypertonic saline.
- Assessed redness using a subjective grading scale.
- Monitored nasal bulbar conjunctival temperature with an infrared radiometer.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between conjunctival redness and temperature.
- A maximum redness increase of 3 grades corresponded to a 0.5°C temperature rise.
- Demonstrated a direct link between the degree of hyperemia and elevated conjunctival temperature.
Conclusions:
- Conjunctival hyperemia is quantitatively associated with increased bulbar conjunctival temperature.
- The findings support the classic inflammatory signs of rubor and calor in the ocular context.
- This study provides objective data on the thermophysiology of conjunctival hyperemia.