Die Hornhautsensibilit�t nach Ablatiooperation

Abstract

The corneal touch threshold (CTT) was determined in 35 eyes before and after retinal reattachment operations. In some cases the CTT of the unaffected eye was taken for comparison. The new aesthesiometer developed by Draeger in 1977 was used and measured CTT in the center of the cornea and in the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock position 1 mm from the limbus. Thirty eyes (86%) showed a rise in CTT after retinal reattachment operations, irrespective of the method of anaesthesia used, and the decrease in corneal sensitivity was observed for up to a period of 5 years postoperatively. Loss of corneal sensitivity was more marked in operations with diathermy and scleral pocketing than in cases with cryopexy and plombage operations. Extremely high CTT values were observed in eyes that underwent encircling procedures, cryopexy, vitrectomy, and gas injection. There was a significantly higher decrease in corneal sensitivity after encircling procedures than after plombage operations.

A Review of Research on the Sensitivity of the Cornea*

“…After cataract operations, various authors have tested corneal sensitivity (Schirmer and Mellor, 1961;Draeger, 1979;Peitcheva, 1980;Guillon and Morris, 1982;Holden et al, 1982). Similarly, tests have been made following retinal detachment surgery (Peitcheva, 1980;Binder and Riss, 1981;Gibson, 1981) and corneal graft operation (Zorab, 1971;Draeger, 1979;Ruben and Colebrook, 1979).…”

Peritomy-sparing scleral buckle

“…Postoperatively patients reported less change in corneal and conjunctival sensitivity and stability of tear film but this was not quantified. Previously, corneal sensitivity has been reported to be decreased after diathermy encircling procedures 11 . Radial conjunctival incision also reduces bleeding, leads to faster cosmetic recovery, and facilitates possible future glaucoma surgery 12 .…”

“…Previously, corneal sensitivity has been reported to be decreased after diathermy encircling procedures. 11 Radial conjunctival incision also reduces bleeding, leads to faster cosmetic recovery, and facilitates possible future glaucoma surgery. 12 Stem cells for the cornea reside at the corneoscleral limbus and this microenvironment is considered to be important in maintaining the stemness of stem cells.…”