Corneal Sensitivity and Contact Lenses

A Review of Research on the Sensitivity of the Cornea*

“…(e) In the past it had been suggested that measuring corneal sensitivity prior to contact lens fitting might be valuable in predicting contact lens tolerance (Schirmer, 1963;Kraar and Cummings, 1965). However, practitioners have generally felt that patient's motivation was equally important in adapting to contact lenses and this technique has not been retained for that purpose.…”

“…Several other aesthesiometers have been devised since, which, although more sophisticated in some cases, have not gained popularity among clinicians. These include those of Hamano (1960), Schirmer (1963), Larson and Miilodot (Larson, 1970), Gotz (1972), Beuerman and McCuIley (1978) and Draeger (1979). Some of these instruments may appear more accurate than the Cochet-Bonnet instrument, but in corneal aesthesiometry, unlike keratometry or biomicroscopy.…”

“…The effect of contact lens wear on corneal sensitivity is of obvious importance to the contact lens practitioner. Initially, it was thought that such a measurement would aid in the prediction of tolerance and success to contact lenses (Hamano, 1960;Schirmer, 1963;Kraar and Cummings, 1965). However, this hypothesis has never been tested systematically.…”

BCLA CLEAR - Effect of contact lens materials and designs on the anatomy and physiology of the eye

“…Although an optical benefit is produced by lens wear, the mechanical interaction of the contact lens with the cornea and eyelids can produce a strong foreign body sensation, particularly in rigid corneal lens wear. Thus adaptation to the presence of the lens is a desired side-effect for successful rigid corneal lens wear [21,282,286,[352][353][354]. Adaptation to soft lens wear is not needed to the same extent, but discomfort from soft lens wear raises a different question about how the corneal nerves respond to lens wear and whether a lack of adaptation may be contributing to discomfort [21].…”

A Method to Calibrate the Carbon Dioxide (Chemical) Stimuli of Pneumatic Esthesiometer Externally

“…Esthesiometers have been used in estimating the sensitivity of various sensory systems, such as skin, particularly for measuring the touch sensitivity/pain sensitivity, each of which depends on the amount of pressure applied on the surface of interest 1. Like other sensory systems, the sensitivity of the ocular surface has also been measured using esthesiometers 2–11. Von Frey12 developed the horsehair-based esthesiometer to measure the mechanical sensitivity of the ocular surface 13.…”