Abstract
Purpose. To investigate corneal biomechanical properties in patients with dry eye and in healthy subjects using Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (CorVis ST). Methods. Biomechanical parameters were measured using CorVis ST in 28 eyes of 28 patients with dry eye (dry eye group) and 26 normal subjects (control group). The Schirmer I test value, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and corneal staining score (CSS) were recorded for each eye. Biomechanical properties were compared between the two groups and bivariate correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between biomechanical parameters and dry eye signs. Results. Only one of the ten biomechanical parameters was significantly different between the two groups. Patients in the dry eye group had significantly lower highest concavity time (HC-time) (P = 0.02) than the control group. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between HC-time and CSS with marginal P value (ρ = −0.39, P = 0.04) in the dry eye group. Conclusions. The corneal biomechanical parameter of HC-time is reduced in dry eyes compared to normal eyes. There was also a very weak but significant negative correlation between HC-time and CSS in the dry eye group, indicating that ocular surface damage can give rise to a more compliant cornea in dry eyes.
Highlights
Dry eye is a very common condition which is characterized by a lack of tear secretion or excessive tear evaporation that affects tens of millions of people worldwide, with a higher prevalence in Asian population [1, 2]
Studies show that the cornea is a complex biomechanical composite and that an intact corneal structural component is important for overall corneal biomechanics [4, 5]
The integrity of the cornea is dependent on its biomechanical properties of elasticity, viscosity, and viscoelasticity, which in turn can be affected by the integrity of epithelial barrier, collagen fibrils arrangement, regional pachymetry, hydration, and age [24]
Summary
Dry eye is a very common condition which is characterized by a lack of tear secretion or excessive tear evaporation that affects tens of millions of people worldwide, with a higher prevalence in Asian population [1, 2]. It is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort and visual disturbance and signs including tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface [3]. Some evidence has shown significant corneal biomechanical alterations in eyes with glaucoma and keratoconus [11, 12], which are considered to have ocular surface inflammation [13, 14] indicating a possible similar mechanism of action in dry eye
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
