Association between blink-related anterior segment dynamics and intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key parameter for diagnosing and managing glaucoma. This study introduces a novel, non-contact method for evaluating blink-induced anterior segment dynamics, as observed through corneal profile motion during natural blinking, demonstrating its dependence on IOP. The eyelid deforms the corneal surface during a blink, resulting in a rebound response. A high-speed lateral imaging system tracked corneal profile motion in healthy volunteers during the eye-opening phase. Changes in anterior segment dynamics were analyzed at baseline and after the Valsalva maneuver to increase IOP. Two metrics were measured in both conditions: the time constant $$\:\tau\:$$, linked to the rebound speed, and the displacement amplitude $$\:A$$, measuring the extent of longitudinal corneal profile displacement. Fifteen participants without ocular disease were enrolled. The longitudinal displacement of the corneal profile revealed faster anterior segment dynamics during the Valsalva maneuver compared to the baseline. We identified a statistically significant difference in $$\:\tau\:$$ related to the rebound velocity between the baseline and Valsalva conditions (P < 0.05) but not for $$\:A$$. The proposed non-contact technique demonstrates sensitivity to IOP variations by analyzing anterior segment dynamics during a natural, complete blink, which supports further assessment of potential home-based, frequent IOP monitoring to prevent glaucoma progression and vision loss.