Artificial eyes and tear measurements

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Research
• Prosthetic Eye Function

Background:

• Unilateral enucleations or eviscerations necessitate ocular prostheses.
• Tear production is crucial for ocular surface health and comfort.
• Dryness of the eye socket is a common complaint with artificial eyes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare tear production in artificial eye sockets versus companion natural eyes.
• To investigate factors contributing to dryness in the ocular prosthesis environment.
• To assess the impact of ocular prosthesis on basic and reflex tear secretion.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-four patients with unilateral ocular prostheses underwent Schirmer I and Schirmer II tear tests.
• Tear production was measured in both the artificial eye socket and the contralateral natural eye.
• Statistical analysis compared tear output with and without topical anesthetic, and correlated with patient complaints.

Main Results:

• Natural eyes produced more tears without anesthetic than with it, indicating normal reflex tearing.
• Artificial eye sockets showed minimal tear production, regardless of anesthetic use.
• Patients with ocular prosthesis-related problems had half the basic tear secretion compared to those without issues.

Conclusions:

• Artificial eye sockets exhibit significantly reduced basic and reflex tear production.
• The absence of the cornea and the presence of the prosthesis likely inhibit tear reflex mechanisms.
• Artificial lubricants may offer symptomatic relief for dryness associated with ocular prostheses.