Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Using a new Goldmann contact lens associated ophthalmodynamometric device, purpose of the present study was to determine the central retinal vessel collapse pressure in eyes with chronic open-angle glaucoma. Methods: The prospective clinical study included 19 eyes of patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma (age, 67.8 ± 11.3 years), and 27 eyes of a control group (age, 69.6 ± 12.5 years). With topical anesthesia, a Goldmann contact lens fitted with a pressure sensor in its holding grip was put onto the cornea. Pressure was applied onto the globe through the contact lens, and the pressure value at the time when the central retinal vessels started pulsating were noted. Results: In the glaucoma group, the collapse pressure of the central retinal artery measured 75.7 ± 19.4 relative units. It was not significantly (p=0.89) different from the value in the control group (78.0 ± 19.2 rel. units). In the central retinal vein, the diastolic collapse pressure measured in the glaucoma group 26.1 ± 26.4 rel. units. It was significantly (p=0.001) higher than the value in the control group (6.1 ± 8.4 rel. units). Conclusions: As measured by a new ophthalmodynamometer with biomicroscopic visualization of the central retinal vessels during the examination, the central retinal vein collapse pressure measurements are significantly higher in eyes with chronic open-angle glaucoma than in non-glaucomatous eyes. It may reflect the higher frequency of retinal vein occlusions in eyes with glaucoma. The central retinal artery collapse pressure did not differ significantly between glaucomatous eyes and non-glaucomatous eyes.
Keywords: intraocular pressure • blood supply • retina