Impact of absent eye on lacrimal tear secretion
Author: Elin Bohman
Base Hospital / Institution: Sankt Erik Eye Hospital/Karolinska Institutet
Rapid fire oral presentation
Abstract ID: 24-129
Purpose
To investigate the impact of eye removal, and with that the sensory input to the lacrimal nucleus from the cornea and retina, on tear secretion in anophthalmic sockets using a method that is independent of the presence of an artificial eye.
Methods
In 11 patients, the tear volume secreted from the lacrimal gland was measured with and without topical anaesthetics using direct assessment of tear secretion. In this method the wash-out of fluorescein dye over the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland is recorded. Results from the anophthalmic socket and the contralateral eye were compared. Subjective symptoms of dry eye were assessed by the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire. In addition, meibography was performed in all eyelids.
Results
No difference was found in volume of secreted tears between the anophthalmic socket and the contralateral eye. A significant drop-out of meibomian glands were found in the eyelids of the anophthalmic socket. A total of 7 out of 11 patients received scores >6 on the 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire which is indicative for dry eye disease on the anophthalmic side, compared to 2 patients in the contralateral eye.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that the removal of an eye does not reduce the volume of secreted tears in anophthalmic sockets. This is likely due to preserved stimulation from the cornea and retina in the contralateral eye. However, a significant drop-out of meibomian glands were found on the anophthalmic side which may contribute to the often perceived symptoms of Dry Eye in anophthalmic patients.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Johanna | Berggren | Sankt Erik Eye Hospital/Karolinska Institutet |
| Olof | Neumann | Sankt Erik Eye Hospital/Karolinska Institutet |
| Rafi | Sheik | Sankt Erik Eye Hospital/Karolinska Institutet |
| Malin | Malmsjö | Sankt Erik Eye Hospital/Karolinska Institutet |
