The aim of this investigation is to determine the thickness of the human preocular tear film using a new method based on laser speckle. This will be a preliminary study to generate "normative" tear film thickness data in normal (i.e., non dry eye) and dry eye subjects in a clinic-based population. In addition, we will examine the short term (i.e., one week) repeatability of the method in a single setting. The patients classified as having dry eye will also have their tear film thickness measured after instillation of an artificial tear. This will potentially reveal valuable data in retention of effect measured non-invasively as in prior studies that employed a fluorescein tracer.
We will generate "normative" tear thickness data in normal (i.e., not dry) and dry eyes in human subjects. We will examine short-term repeatability of the method, and we will examine the influence on tear thickness of a viscous eyedrop instilled into the eye.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Southern California College of Optometry
Fullerton, California, United States
Tear film thickness in normal eyes
Time frame: 1-3 months
Tear thickness change following viscous drop instillation
Time frame: 1-3 months
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