Evaluation of Corneal Sensitivity: Tools We Have.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Corneal sensitivity is a key indicator of corneal health and innervation.
• Reduced corneal sensitivity (hypoesthesia) can signal early-stage corneal diseases, notably neurotrophic keratopathy.
• Accurate assessment of corneal innervation is vital for diagnosing and managing various ocular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical progression and advancements in corneal aesthesiometers.
• To compare the mechanisms, benefits, and drawbacks of different corneal sensitivity testing devices.
• To explore the correlation between corneal sensitivity and innervation across diverse ocular conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on corneal aesthesiometers and their development.
• Comparative analysis of the Cochet-Bonnet, Belmonte, Swiss liquid-jet, and Brill aesthesiometers.
• Synthesis of data on corneal sensitivity and innervation in conditions like diabetes, dry eye, and post-surgical states.

Main Results:

• Evolution from mechanical to gas and liquid-jet stimuli for measuring corneal sensitivity.
• Identification of specific advantages and limitations for each type of aesthesiometer.
• Established links between diminished corneal sensitivity and innervation in various pathological and post-treatment scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Corneal aesthesiometry has evolved significantly, offering diverse tools for assessing corneal innervation.
• The assessment of corneal sensitivity is indispensable for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of numerous anterior and posterior segment ocular diseases.
• Further research into advanced aesthesiometry can improve patient outcomes in ophthalmology.