Researchers in the Neurosciences Research Institute at
Aston University are utilising Infrared Thermography in their studies into
ocular physiology, with investigations taking place into the effects on
the eye of contact lens wear, the use of medications in the eye, dry eyes
and ocular abnormalities. Further plans by the Anterior Eye Group include
looking at the thermal effects of laser refractive surgery on the eye.
Because of the unique ability to capture an image in
real-time and its high resolution capabilities, the NEC TH7102MX Thermal
Imaging Camera can capture as a colour coded display the small and ever
changing temperature gradients across the eye’s surface - each blink
passes fluid across the eye providing a warming effect. Thermal imaging
can capture these variations in temperature and has the advantage of being
a completely non-invasive method of measurement that allows the eyes to be
examined without any discomfort to the patient.
The aim of the research is to improve the understanding
of the dynamic thermal profile of the eye’s surface. Questions being asked
include "Is the comfort of an artificial tear drop related to its effect
on temperature?" and "Do some types of contact lens create a hotter
environment in the eye and what implications this may have?"
An image of the eye is taken in a room controlled for
temperature and humidity and the dynamic change in temperature over 8
seconds following a blink is recorded. This is used as a standard to which
other conditions are compared. For example, an artificial tear supplement
can be instilled and the dynamic temperature profile measured over time.
The effect of the eye drops on the temperature of the eye can be clearly
seen, as detailed in the images. The results are then analysed and are
proving to be exciting.
The concept of using thermography as an aid into
research is not a new one, with many universities and research
laboratories using it to measure temperature in a wide variety of areas,
both mechanical and physical. Historically however, ocular thermography
has been restricted by the technology available; the cameras were cooled
by liquid nitrogen and were very expensive. The NEC TH7100 series of Thermal
Imaging Cameras from NEC however, do not rely on liquid nitrogen to cool
the detector, making it far more suitable for clinical research.
The purchase of the NEC camera at Aston University was
initiated by Dr. James Wolffsohn, of the Anterior Eye Group. The research
group which comprises mainly of optometrists, has a complete suite of
self-contained laboratories designed for clinical investigations which
promotes a collective approach to clinical research issues. These are
adjacent to the optometry open-clinic which is a valuable source of
patient material, consultation areas and reception facilities for clinical
research studies.
A major new development at Aston University is the
establishment of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Research Centre. This
will provide valuable clinical research information on the efficacy of
procedures to correct errors in refraction and the physiology of the
anterior segment of the eye and cornea. With the results already achieved
by the Anterior Eye Group, it is expected that the NEC Thermal Camera
could become a useful tool for the CRSRC.
Aston University is an internationally recognised
centre of excellence in teaching, research and consultancy, and in the
most recent Research Assessment Exercise, four out of five departments
scored Grade 5 ratings, indicating national and international excellence
in all of the research activities within those departments.
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