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Corneal sensitivity assessment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Indications for corneal sensitivity assessment
- Diseases of the cornea.
- Neuro-ophthalmological pathology.
Preparation for corneal sensitivity assessment
Equipment: a conical cotton wick with a thread-like end.
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Methodology and interpretation of corneal sensitivity assessment study
With the fingers of the left hand, spread the patient's eyelids, carefully touch the end of the cotton wick first to the center of the cornea, and then to four points on its periphery. If sensitivity is normal, the patient notices the touch or tries to close the eye. If this does not happen, then thicker parts of the wick are placed on the cornea. The appearance of a corneal reflex when placing a thicker part of the wick indicates a significant decrease in corneal sensitivity. If this method fails to evoke a corneal reflex, then sensitivity is absent.
Alternative methods for assessing corneal sensitivity
A more precise determination of corneal sensitivity is carried out using graduated hairs according to Frey-Samoylov. Corneal sensitivity is measured at 13 points of the cornea with three hairs (0.3: 1.0 and 10.0 g/mm squared). Algesimeters are also used, but the most advanced devices at present are optical-electronic esthesiometers.
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