Development of a novel multi‐stimulus ocular surface aesthesiometer system

• DOI: 10.1111/aos.16062
• Publication Date: 2024-01-18T13:02:57Z
• Authors: Paul Murphy; Melanie Mungalsingh; Sean Peterson; Ben Thompson
• Keywords: Stimulus (psychology); Air movement

Aims/Purpose: To report the development of a novel, air‐based, aesthesiometer capable producing and applying multiple stimuli differing intensity, separated by time and/or ocular surface location. Methods: Individual micro‐blowers (Murata Manufacturing Co., Japan) were combined with an exit airflow nozzle into integrated stimulus unit (ISU) that produced controlled through exit. Stimulus duration, repetition, as feature airflow, was managed for each ISU using designed software. The software also sequencing in series. consistency characteristics assessed two diameters (0.5 1.6 mm) for: (i) pattern/trajectory; (ii) dispersion; (iii) force airflow; (iv) thermal effects; (v) delay spatial separation. Results: characteristics: is coherent at proposed test distance (1 cm) spread rate constant irrespective strength, diameter 1 cm: 1.8–2.1 mm; disperses over dispersion increases increasing rate; consistent, small (10 −4 N) varies size effects depends on single stimuli, repeat variable time‐delay, simultaneous or inter‐stimulus can be produced. Conclusions: novel produce repeatable, consistent air pulses (stimuli) under control. Nozzle has influence coherence/dispersion. Single with/without delays, intensity delivered to surface. Multiple allows presentation may provide alternative method assessing sensitivity, facilitate investigation signal processing involved nerve summation.