Association between blink-related anterior segment dynamics and intraocular pressure

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Authors: Vito Ivano D’Alessandro, Filippo Attivissimo, Attilio Di Nisio, Anna Maria Lucia Lanzolla, Amal Isaiah, G. Scarcelli
Cited by: 3
References: 52

Abstract

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key parameter for diagnosing and managing glaucoma. This study introduces a novel, non-contact method for evaluating blink-induced anterior segment dynamics, as observed through corneal profile motion during natural blinking, demonstrating its dependence on IOP. The eyelid deforms the corneal surface during a blink, resulting in a rebound response. A high-speed lateral imaging system tracked corneal profile motion in healthy volunteers during the eye-opening phase. Changes in anterior segment dynamics were analyzed at baseline and after the Valsalva maneuver to increase IOP. Two metrics were measured in both conditions: the time constant [Formula: see text], linked to the rebound speed, and the displacement amplitude [Formula: see text], measuring the extent of longitudinal corneal profile displacement. Fifteen participants without ocular disease were enrolled. The longitudinal displacement of the corneal profile revealed faster anterior segment dynamics during the Valsalva maneuver compared to the baseline. We identified a statistically significant difference in [Formula: see text] related to the rebound velocity between the baseline and Valsalva conditions (P < 0.05) but not for [Formula: see text]. The proposed non-contact technique demonstrates sensitivity to IOP variations by analyzing anterior segment dynamics during a natural, complete blink, which supports further assessment of potential home-based, frequent IOP monitoring to prevent glaucoma progression and vision loss.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Corneal surgery and disorders Ocular Surface and Contact Lens Glaucoma and retinal disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Reports
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
4195–4195
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN