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Study shows eyelid sensitivity measurement may reflect dry eye causes
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Increased eyelid sensitivity may be linked to decreased function of the eyelid margin and provide evidence of tear osmolarity, according to a study published in the October issue of Optometry and Vision Science.
The study of 27 patients was conducted at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. Researchers used esthesiometry to measure the sensitivity of eyelid margins, and a dye was used to assess the function of the meibomian glands.
Increased osmolarity and decreased meibomian gland function have both been linked to symptoms related to dry eye, according to a press release from the journal’s publisher.
Results showed there is greater sensitivity in the lower lid margin than in the upper lids, and that the lower lid sensitivity is related to hyperosmolarity of the tear film. There is potential for a new approach to clinically assessing tear osmolarity via lower lid sensitivity measures, according to the authors.
Esthesiometry may provide optometrists with a new way to identify problems leading to dry eye and to possibly evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, according to the release.