Abstract
Purpose::
Recently intraocular pressure (IOP) has been reported to directly correlate with intracranial pressure (ICP) and has therefore been proposed as a non-invasive indicator of ICP.1 Several additional reports have suggested a loose correlation. 2-3 This study was designed to further assess this relationship.
Methods::
IOP and ICP were determined for 51 patients (38F, 13M, mean age 51, range 13 to 87 years) by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of all patients that underwent lumbar puncture in the ophthalmology department at UCSF between January 1, 1991 and November 15, 2006. Patients with a history of glaucoma, ocular hypertension or who were using medications that affect intraocular pressure were excluded. The average IOP between eyes was determined and the correlation with ICP assessed using Pearson’s coefficient.
Results::
IOP ranged from 10 mmHg to 22 mmHg (mean 14.4 mmHg). ICP ranged from 6.8 mmHg to 37.6 mmHg (mean 20.1 mmHg). No correlation between IOP and ICP was identified (r = 0.08, p = 0.98).
Conclusions::
Our data failed to confirm recent reports suggesting a close correlation between IOP and ICP. In our patient population no relationship between ICP and IOP was seen. IOP should not be considered an indicator of ICP.References:1. Sajjadi SA at al. Correlation of ICP and IOP. Ann Neurol. 2006;59:867-870.2. Hayreh SS. Non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure. Lancet 1998;351:524-5253. Sheeran P et al. Intraocular pressure changes and alterations in intracranial pressure. Lancet 2000;355: 899
Keywords: neuro-ophthalmology: diagnosis • intraocular pressure