Use of infrared thermography in ophthalmology

Abstract

Thermoregulation disorders are associated with Body temperature fluctuation. Both hyper- and hypothermia are evidence of an ongoing pathological process. Contralateral symmetry in the Body heat spread is considered normal, while asymmetry, if above a certain level, implies an underlying pathology. Infrared thermography (IRT) is employed in many medical fields including ophthalmology. The earliest attempts of eye surface temperature evaluation were made in the 19 century. Over the last 50 years, different authors have been using this method to assess ocular adnexa, however, the technique remains insufficiently studied. The reported IRT data is often contradictory, which may be due to heterogeneity (in terms of severity) of patient groups and disparities between research parameters.

Ocular surface temperature differences in glaucoma

“…Various authors have since been employing this method to assess ocular adnexa, however, the technique remains insufficiently studied. 19 Several factors were reported to influence OST, among them are ocular hemodynamics, body temperature, tear film features, and environment influences. [15][16][17][18]20 Evaluation of OST by means of infrared thermography reportedly correlated with both vascular and inflammatory ocular processes, such as carotid artery stenosis, central retinal vein occlusion, and anterior uveitis.…”

“…Various authors have since been employing this method to assess ocular adnexa, however, the technique remains insufficiently studied. 19…”

Value of Infrared Thermography Camera Attached to a Smartphone for Evaluation and Follow-up of Patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

“…In the search for a more accessible and objective method to evaluate disease activity in GO, Infrared Thermography (IRT) appears to be a promising tool and is gaining importance in medical community due to recent studies and different applications for this new device [10]. It has been used in several conditions, such as breast cancer, monitoring of fracture consolidation, the evolution of pressure ulcers, diabetic foot, and burns [11–15]. In GO, Chang et al [16] and Shih et al [17] were pioneers to evaluate IRT during follow-up of patients treated with methylprednisolone pulse.…”

Heat exchange in the human eye: a review

“…Excessive heat is released into the surrounding environment by infrared (IR) electromagnetic radiation, thermal conduction, evaporation and convection. [6,7].…”

“…Heat transfer in the eye occurs mainly by thermal conduction and by convection from the aqueous to the surrounding tissues in the anterior and posterior chambers. [7]. The heat distributed across ocular tissues is lost to the environment through the cornea and conjunctiva mostly by radiation, convection and evaporation.…”