Topical review: Ocular surface abnormalities in neurodegenerative disorders
Sophie E Waller, Joseph B Stockwell, Victor S C Fung1
1Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Noninvasive ocular biomarkers, including in vivo corneal confocal microscopy and tear fluid analysis, show promise for early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- The aging population faces a rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Developing reliable, noninvasive biomarkers is crucial for early detection and disease management.
- The ocular surface is an emerging area for biomarker research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy and tear fluid analysis for neurodegenerative disease biomarker development.
- To explore the utility of these techniques in detecting disease onset and monitoring progression.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on in vivo corneal confocal microscopy for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Analysis of tear fluid as a source of systemic biomarkers.
- Integration of findings from both techniques.
Main Results:
- In vivo corneal confocal microscopy provides high-resolution imaging of corneal nerves, showing potential for systemic disease examination (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's).
- Tear fluid analysis offers a noninvasive method to detect systemic changes associated with neurodegenerative conditions.
- Combined use of these methods offers comprehensive insights.
Conclusions:
- In vivo corneal confocal microscopy and tear fluid analysis are promising noninvasive tools for neurodegenerative disease biomarker development.
- These techniques can provide valuable insights into disease onset and progression.
- Their application holds potential for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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