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Assessing Tear Secretory Response in Health and Disease Using a Novel i-Onion Device
Ana Zaldivar1, Connie Wu, Anna Junk
1Surgical Services (A.Z., C.W., A.J., A.G.), Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (A.Z., C.W., A.J., A.G.), University of Miami, Miami, FL.
Eye & Contact Lens
|June 10, 2025
Summary
The i-Onion device shows tear reserve volume is maintained in older adults with glaucoma and cataracts, even with reduced basal tear volume due to age and disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Tear Film Research
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Tear production is crucial for ocular surface health.
- Glaucoma and cataract patients may experience altered tear dynamics.
- Accurate measurement of tear secretory response is essential for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the tear secretory response using the novel i-Onion device.
- To assess lacrimal gland activity stimulation via concentrated CO2 bursts.
- To compare tear reserve volume (TRV) in glaucoma, cataract patients, and controls.
Main Methods:
- The i-Onion device delivered controlled CO2 bursts to stimulate tear production.
- 120 participants (40 glaucoma, 40 cataract, 40 controls) were studied.
- Basal tear volume (BTV) and stimulated tear volume were measured; TRV was calculated as the difference.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in TRV were observed among glaucoma, cataract, and control groups.
- Basal tear volume (BTV) was significantly lower in glaucoma and cataract patients compared to controls.
- BTV decreased with age, and presurgical TRV showed a nonsignificant negative correlation with postsurgical symptoms in cataract patients.
Conclusions:
- The i-Onion device effectively assessed tear secretory response.
- Tear reserve volume (TRV) appears preserved in elderly individuals with glaucoma and cataracts.
- Despite decreased basal tear volume (BTV) with age and disease, TRV remains stable.
