Abstract
Purpose :
To assess the effects of a novel nano-lipid artificial tear on tear lipid dynamics using The Ohio State University stroboscopic video color microscope (SVCM).
Methods :
Normal healthy volunteers underwent SVCM imaging of the central cornea pre- and post-instillation of a novel nano-lipid artificial tear. Image field of view was 6 mm in diameter, and was captured at a resolution of 1400x1100, at a rate of 23 frames per second. Colors observed in images were a result of optical interference in the tear lipid layer, and lipid thickness was determined. Image data was qualitatively graded for extent of lipid spreading and fluidity of lipid between blinks.
Results :
SVCM imaging demonstrated tear lipid increase post-instillation of the artificial tear, where baseline images that appeared grayscale were then enhanced post-instillation with vibrant colors. The fluidity of the post-instillation lipid layer was also enhanced compared to baseline, where areas of high lipid thickness appeared to spread over the ocular surface at a faster rate. Furthermore, spreading of the post-instillation lipid layer appears to persist for a longer duration between blinks, where particles and leading edges of lipid pools appear to continue spreading while the next blink is occurring. In contrast, in pre-instillation images, lipid spreading often plateaus to a halt before the next blink.
Conclusions :
The Ohio State University SVCM appears to be an effective instrument to assess dynamic tear lipid effects of artificial tears on the ocular surface, and a more quantitative study is required to characterize these dynamic effects.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2017 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Baltimore, MD, May 7-11, 2017.