MSc Defence: Analysis of Trace Elements in Nasolacrimal duct Tissue using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence: A Pilot Study

Student: Andrej Gvozdic

Supervisor: Dr. Ana Pejovic-Milic

Abstract:

From a young age, many females begin to use makeup including eye cosmetics. Therefore, the use of eye cosmetics may cause the deposition of different elements into the nasolacrimal duct tissue. Extended use of cosmetic products may lead to the absorption of metals, and cause systemic effects (Bocca et al., 2014). at Mount Sinai hospital have observed women developed a larger incidence of lacrimal sac stones, than men. In this pilot study, the element concentrations of exposed and control nasolacrimal duct tissue were examined, to determine significant differences in trace element concentrations. Surgically extracted control and exposed nasolacrimal duct tissue were acid digested prior to measurement by a Total X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer. Exposed nasolacrimal duct tissue presented difference in concentration across: aluminium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, barium, lead, bismuth, calcium, chlorine, potassium and strontium, while aluminium and bromine, portrayed insignificant difference in concentrations. The presence of these trace elements could cause adverse effects on eye health, however further research is required to fully address this observation.