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Tear film changes associated with normal aging

W D Mathers1, J A Lane, M B Zimmerman

  • 1Ophthalmology Department, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.

Cornea
|May 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
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Tear film function declines with age. This study found lower tear flow and volume than previously estimated, with significant age-related decreases in tear volume, Schirmer test results, and tear osmolarity.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Tear Film Research
  • Geriatric Eye Care

Background:

  • The tear film is crucial for maintaining ocular surface health and visual function.
  • Age-related changes in the tear film can lead to discomfort and visual disturbances.
  • Previous estimates of tear flow may not accurately reflect physiological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively evaluate tear film function in normal subjects across different age groups.
  • To quantify key parameters of tear film physiology, including tear flow, volume, and meibomian gland function.
  • To investigate the impact of aging on various tear film parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Schirmer test without anesthetic to measure reflex tear capacity.
  • Fluorophotometry for steady-state tear flow assessment.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Meibomian gland evaluation (dropout, lipid volume, viscosity).
  • Measurement of tear evaporation and osmolarity.

    • Main Results:

    • Average tear flow was 0.19 +/- 0.19 microliters/min, and average tear volume was 2.74 +/- 2.0 microliters, both lower than previously reported.
    • A significant age-associated decline was observed in tear volume, Schirmer test results, and tear osmolarity.
    • Tear volume (-0.64), Schirmer test (-0.63), and tear osmolarity (0.59) showed the highest correlations with advancing age.

    Conclusions:

    • Tear film function demonstrably declines throughout adult life.
    • Current estimates of tear flow may overestimate the actual physiological rate.
    • Age is a significant factor influencing multiple aspects of tear film stability and production.