Instillation Of Artificial Tears Research Articles

Viscosity-dependent fluid dynamics of eyedrops on the ocular surface

To determine whether the viscosity of eyedrops affects the distribution of the precorneal tear film. Using a differential pachymetry map, we obtained tear film thickness in healthy volunteers before and after the instillation of nonviscous, aqueous artificial tears and a 0.3% sodium hyaluronate solution. The instillation of aqueous artificial tears disclosed a significant (P < .05) thickening of the superior corneal tear film compared with the inferior corneal tear film. The increase in thickness by 0.3% sodium hyaluronate solution was uniform, with no differences between the superior and inferior cornea. Aqueous artificial tears caused an uneven thickening of the precorneal tear film, with most of the thickening observed at the superior cornea. Lower sections of the cornea may benefit less from the instillation of nonviscous solutions.

The effect of tears on intraocular pressure measurement using the Pulsair non‐contact tonometer

Previous work has indicated that instillation of artificial tears increases measured intraocular pressure with the American Optical Non-contact tonometer. An increase of 1.5 mm Hg and 1.8 mm Hg was demonstrated with the introduction of one and two drops of artificial tears respectively. In this study, intra-ocular pressure was measured using a Keeler Pulsair tonometer on subjects widi and without the application of artificial tears. The intra-ocular pressure measurement was found to be increased significantly by die application of artificial tears. However, the difference was not regarded as clinically significant. The influence of successive measurements of intra-ocular pressure using this tonometer was also studied. There was again no significant difference. (Clin Exp Optom 1993; 76: 6: 215–218)

Contrast sensitivity in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca before and after artificial tear application.

Poor stability of the precorneal tear film causes dry eye symptoms and has detrimental effects on the optical function of the eye. In 50 patients with dry eyes the local instillation of artificial tears significantly improved contrast sensitivity (P < 0.001), using the Vision Contrast Test System 6500. In the untreated eyes no significant changes were found to occur (P = 0.56).

Parotid duct transposition in xerophthalmia. Report of a case.

THE treatment of xerophthalmia has posed a difficult problem of management for the ophthalmologist. This condition may follow as the incapacitating sequela of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, trachoma, exfoliative dermatitis, or ocular pemphigus. Manifestations of the disease include severe, necrotizing conjunctivitis with corneal ulceration and secondary iritis, followed by widespread conjunctival and corneal scarring. Photophobia and blepharospasm may be profound. The final picture is characterized by lacrimal deficiency, epidermalization of the lining of the eye with more or less extensive symblepharon and severe visual impairment. The usual conservative therapeutic measures consist of instillation of artificial tears, administration of vitamin A and the use of a moist chamber. Unfortunately, these efforts often prove unsatisfactory, requiring utilization of more radical measures. Tarsorrhaphy can be employed with effective temporary improvement. Occlusion of the lacrimal puncta has also been suggested. Transplantation of various tissues into the conjunctiva such as oral mucosa and placenta 1 have been

A Surgical Approach to Total Xerophthalmia

Introduction The treatment of total xerophthalmia has always been a very difficult problem. Total xerophthalmia frequently occurs following exfoliative dermatitis, ocular pemphigus, and trachoma, which are associated with complete loss of function of the lacrimal gland and all accessory lacrimal tissue. Conservative treatment, such as topical instillation of artificial tears, blocking of the puncta, tarsorraphy, transplantation of buccal mucosa, and vitamin A therapy is usually unsatisfactory and generally gives only temporary improvement. The usual course of total xerophthalmia is corneal ulceration, epidermidalization, and keratinization of corneal epithelium; symblepharon, and corneal vascularization with progressive visual loss. Transplantation of the parotid duct into the lower conjunctival cul-de-sac offers a new approach towards the solution of this problem. Comment In 1950, Filatov 1 and his associates first reported the successful transplantation of the parotid duct into the conjunctival sac for the treatment of total xerophthalmia, and subsequently they have reported 80 cases. Additional

KERATITIS SICCA

Lack of tears leads to dryness of the eyes and to a clinical condition variously described as keratitis sicca, keratoconjunctivitis sicca or keratitis filamentosa. The symptoms are stickiness of the lids and burning and painful sensations, often most intense on awakening. Any disease that destroys the lacrimal gland or its innervation can cause this difficulty. The most satisfactory treatment available was proposed by Beetham1in 1935, that is, closure of the canaliculi by electrocoagulation. I have found that after closure of the canaliculi instillation of artificial tears adds further to the comfort of the patient. Keratitis sicca is an uncommon disease, occurring usually among women after the menopause. The symptoms persist for many years ; sometimes slight remissions occur. Without treatment, patients with this condition find that any use of their eyes causes discomfort. REPORT OF CASE A girl aged 17 years came to the clinic in April 1935 with