ABSTRACT
Purpose: To assess corneal and conjunctival sensitivity in rosacea patients
Methods: A total of 55 patients with rosacea and 37 control subjects participated in the study. Corneal and conjunctival sensitivity was determined by Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. Subjective symptoms of ocular dryness were evaluated using Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]. Schirmer's I test [ST], tear breakup time [tBUT] and ocular surface staining with fluorescein were carried out to measure objective signs
Results: The mean corneal and conjunctival sensitivity did not differ significantly between rosacea patients and controls [all p > 0.05]. Schirmer's I test and tBUT were significantly reduced [p = 0.004 for OD and p < 0.001 for OS] and grade of ocular surface staining was significantly high [p = 0.018 for OD and p = 0.038 for OS] in rosacea patients. Corneal and conjunctival sensitivity did not show significant correlation with ST, tBUT, ocular surface staining [Oxford Schema], duration of rosacea and OSDI score
Conclusions: Corneal and conjunctival sensitivity did not change significantly in rosacea