The Corneal Esthesiometer Brill is an electronical device for corneal sensitivity assesment through controlled air pulses as stimuli. It is the first non-invasive and portable corenal esthesiometer.
(a)Distribution of corneal epithelial nerves; (b) Detail of the path of nerve endings from the periphery to the center of the corneal epithelium.3
Disruption of these nerves with interruption of the neural feedback loops between the ocular surface and the lacrimal glands can lead to corneal diseases such as dry eye disease (DED) and neurotrophic keratopathy (NK)2.
The corneal epithelium has the highest density of free nerve endings of any tissue in the body1. It is primarily innervated by the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve pair (cranial nerve V)2. These nerves ensure the detection of any potential damaging substance present on the ocular surface, and stimulate tear production and lid closure as a protective mechanism via feedback loops between the ocular surface, the lacrimal glands, and the brain. They also provide trophic support to the tissues of the cornea and facilitate their repair and replacement1.
(a)Distribution of corneal epithelial nerves; (b) Detail of the path of nerve endings from the periphery to the center of the corneal epithelium.3
Disruption of these nerves with interruption of the neural feedback loops between the ocular surface and the lacrimal glands can lead to corneal diseases such as dry eye disease (DED) and neurotrophic keratopathy (NK)2.
Conversely, hypersensitivity of the nerve fibers and/or dysregulation of pain-controlling nerve centers can lead to neuropathic pain2.
By using the corneal esthesiometer, ophthalmologists can prescribe specific treatment at an early stage and can even evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment by assessing the patient’s corneal sensitivity.
The detection of corneal dysesthesia may indicate to optometrists that the patient needs to be referred to an ophthalmologist, making the Corneal Esthesiometer a functional instrument that can guide them in this matter.
Furthermore, the esthesiometer may be very helpful to optometrists during the contact lens adaptation process and for monitoring the loss of corneal sensitivity associated with overnight orthokeratology, as shown by recent studies 13, 14.
By using the corneal esthesiometer, ophthalmologists can prescribe specific treatment at an early stage and can even evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment by assessing the patient’s corneal sensitivity.
The detection of corneal dysesthesia may indicate to optometrists that the patient needs to be referred to an ophthalmologist, making the Corneal Esthesiometer a functional instrument that can guide them in this matter.
Furthermore, the esthesiometer may be very helpful to optometrists during the contact lens adaptation process and for monitoring the loss of corneal sensitivity associated with overnight orthokeratology, as shown by recent studies 13, 14.