Epithelial Responses to Rubbing-Related Mechanical Forces

Abstract

These results indicate a statistically significant mechanical trauma to the epithelium after 15 seconds of light to moderate rubbing. With reference to the rheological properties of the cytoskeleton, an attempt to explain how the epithelium could lose and recover thickness has been made. Apart from cell flattening, displacement from the rubbed area of intercellular water, cytoplasm from ruptured cells, chains of wing cells, and mucin are suggested as possible thinning mechanisms. Extraneous eye rubbing may adversely alter the results obtained with pachymetry, videokeratography, wavefront aberrometry, refraction, and results obtained with orthokeratology contact lenses.