Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the accuracy of estimating intraocular pressure at the end of the operation by Weck–Cell compression technique of the eye compared to a true measured intraocular pressure done bySchiotz tonometry.
Methods: :
This retrospective review comprised 81 eyes of 81 consecutive cataract operations performed. Intraocular pressures were estimated by the assisting eye resident using Weck–Cell sponge compression at the end of the operation and compared to measured intraocular pressures done by Schiotz tonometry.
Results: :
Estimated pressures ranged from 4 mmHg to 30 mmHg with a median of 12 mmHg and a mean of 13.4 mmHg. Measured pressures ranged from 4 mmHg to 31.6 mmHg with a median of 13.9 mmHg and a mean of 16.4 mmHg. Average variance of estimated intraocular pressure from true measured intraocular pressure was + or – 7.30 mmHg with a variance of + or – 11 mmHg among the 5 lowest measured pressures and + or – 14.3 mmHg among the 5 highest measured pressures and + or – 4.4 mmHg among the mid–range measured pressures.
Conclusions: :
Guessing at intraocular pressures using Weck–Cell sponge compression technique at the conclusion of the cataract surgery approximates true measured intraocular pressures most accurately in the mid–range IOP level so that adjusting IOP at the end of the procedure should be directed to an estimated most mid–range level for closest accuracy to the true IOP. Actually, measuring the intraocular pressuer at the end of the case with Schiotz tonometer or tonopen obviates this need and is recommended.
Keywords: small incision cataract surgery • intraocular pressure