The Comparison of Viscosity-dependent Distribution of Tear Film after Dropping of Three Artificial Tears

Hyun, Joon Il; Kim, Eung Kweon; Lee, Jae Bum

Abstract

We intended to evaluate the viscosity-dependent distribution of tear film after dropping of three artificial tears with different viscosity. We measured the corneal thickness including tear film thickness after dropping of Optagent[Povidon iodide 2%; viscosity: 1.5millimeter2/sec], Tears naturale free[hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.3%, dextran 0.1%;6.4 millimeter2/sec], Lacura [sodium hyaluronate 0.1%;4.6 millimeter2/sec]in 12 adult men and women without dry eye by optical beam scanning differential pachymetry of Orbscan topography. 1 minute after dropping, the thickness of 3 millimeter superior and inferior to center of cornea increased respectively 4.1 +/-0.4 micrometer, 0.4 +/-0.1micrometer[p=0.014]in Optagent, 2.4 +/-0.3 micrometer, 2.3 +/-0.2 micrometer[p=0.425]in Tears naturale free and 2.5 +/-0.5 micrometer, 2.0 +/-0.2 micrometer[p=0.126]in Lacure. 10 minute after dropping, the thickness of 3 millimeter superior and inferior to center of cornea increased respectively 2.7 +/-0.3 micrometer, 0.3 +/-0.1 micrometer[p=0.025]in Optagent, 1.7 +/-0.2 micrometer, 1.6 +/-0.2 micrometer[p=0.326]in Tears naturale free and 1.4 +/-0 .4 micrometer, 1.2 +/-0.2 micrometer[p=0.237]in Lacura. In conclusion, the artificial tears with relatively high viscosity dstributed evenly along the corneal surface after dropping, but those with relatively low viscosity distributed mainly superior to center of cornea with statistical significance. So when treating of corneal lesion in dry eye, we think that artificial tears with proper viscosity will be needed according to the location of the lesion.