When the corneas are desensitized the blink feedback loop is interrupted. A number of conditions can lead to, or contribute to, corneal desensitization including: .
- Contact lenses that act as a barrier for corneal sensations
- Lubricating eye drops, ointments and gels when they are used too often
- Other eye drops used often to prevent infection or inflammation; for allergies, glaucoma, or other diseases
- LASIK, LASEK, PRK procedures that cut the corneal nerves
- Cataract surgery that cuts through the corneal nerves
- Aqueous tear deficiency
- Poor quality meibum
- Delayed tear clearance
- Ocular diseases (e.g.: Ocular Herpes)
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Allergies
For more information about the blink feedback loop, see:
Why the eye becomes dry: a cornea and lacrimal gland feedback model
Mathers WD.
The CLAO Journal : official publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists
2000 Jul;26(3):159-65
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Dysfunctional neural regulation of lacrimal gland secretion and its role in the pathogenesis of dry eye syndromes
Dartt DA.
The Ocular Surface
2004 Apr;2(2):76-91
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