Article: Noninvasive Eye Procedure Provides Potential Pathway for Virus, Disease Carriers
Source: American Institute of Physics Publishing
Published: September 14, 2021
Scientists in India were interested in studying the aerosol transmission of pathogens, especially in the context of SARS-CoV-2, and non-contact tonometers used to measure intraocular pressures as a screening for glaucoma. Based on tracking the speed of tear droplets ejected from the eye during "the air puff test," they predicted that tear droplets could travel up to a meter away from the patient, potentially presenting a pathway for spreading viral particles and transmitting the disease. The authors write, "The interaction finally leads to the rupture and breakup of the tear
film culminating into sub-millimeter sized droplet projectiles traveling
at speeds of 0.2 m/s. The calculated droplet spread radius (0.5
m) confirms the likelihood of the procedure to generate droplets that
may disperse in air as well as splash on instruments, raising the
potential of infection." The distance also depended on factors such as air flow in the room. Eyes with more tears created more droplets than dry eyes, leading them to recommend against the use of eye drops prior to the test. Although most pertinent in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, these fluid dynamics are applicable to the spread of aerosol pathogens in general. The researchers conclude that although non-contact tonometry is considered a relatively safe test, caution should be considered in improving room ventilation and cleaning nearby instruments and surfaces that had not been thought of previously.
My rating of this study: ⭐⭐
Durbar R, Maggelakis S, Rasheed A, et al. "Fluid dynamics of droplet generation from corneal tear film during non-contact tonometry in the context of pathogen transmission." Physics of Fluids. 33:092109. 14 September 2021. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0061956
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