Does air gas aesthesiometry generate a true mechanical stimulus for corneal sensitivity measurement?

Abstract

Aim of this study - to determine: (A) the stimulus temperature inducing no or least change in ocular surface temperature (OST), using the Belmonte Ocular Pain Meter (OPM); and (B) to evaluate if OST remains unchanged with different stimulus durations and airflow rates. A total of 14 subjects (mean age 25.14 ± 2.18 years) participated: (A) OST was recorded using an infrared camera (FLIR A310) during the presentation of airflow stimuli, at five temperatures, ambient temperature (AT) +5°C, +10°C, +15°C, +20°C and +30°C, using the OPM; and (B) OST measurements were repeated with two stimulus temperatures (AT +10°C and +15°C) while varying stimulus durations and airflow rates. Results: (A) Stimulus temperatures of AT +10°C and +15°C induced the least changes in OST (-0.20 ± 0.13°C and 0.08 ± 0.05°C). (B) OST changes were statistically significant with both stimulus temperatures and increased with increasing airflow rates (p < 0.001).