Study links corneal sensitivity to Parkinson’s disease severity

Corneal sensitivity (CS), measured using a non-contact esthesiometer, is associated with more severe stages of Parkinson’s disease, according to a poster presented at the 2025 World Cornea Congress.

The study retrospectively analyzed 74 patients with Parkinson’s disease (148 eyes). Researchers assessed corneal sensitivity using the Brill Engines Esthesiometer, a non-contact device that applies air-jet stimulation. Parkinson’s severity was measured using the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS-UPDRS III) and the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) staging scale.

The results showed a median CS of 6.5 mBar across all patients. Those in HY stage 4 exhibited significantly higher CS (10.25 mBar) compared to stages 2 (6.0 mBar) and 3 (7.08 mBar) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). However, no significant differences were found among other stages or clinical characteristics.

The study suggests that CS has potential as a simple, non-invasive tool for identifying disease severity.

Reference
Olcucu O, et al. Balbuena-Pareja A, et al. Trends and Insights of a Tertiary Referral Hospital for Patients with Neurotrophic Keratopathy. Poster presented at: 2025 World Cornea Congress; March 20-22, 2025; Washington, DC.