Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:A theoretical model was developed that predicted a decrease of ocular rigidity upon insertion of a quantity of compressible matter inside the eyeball. It was the purpose of this study to develop a device capable of measuring the pressure - volume relationship of the living human eye. Additionally, use of this device to evaluate the effect of intraocular gas injection in ocular rigidity. Methods:The device developed operates by means of controlled injection of saline solution and simultaneous recoding of the absolute intraocular pressure. In average 200 uL are injected in 15 steps until the pressure limit of 60 mmHg is reached. Pressure - volume curves were recorded intraoperatively in 70 subjects during cataract surgery. Four consecutive measurements were performed for each subject. First and third measurements were performed on the plain eye while second and fourth were performed at the presence of an intraocular bubble (0,25 ml). Results:A linear relationship was found to be adequate for the representation of the pressure - volume data acquired. Ocular rigidity was determined as the slope of the pressure -volume curve. There was a statistically significant decrease in ocular rigidity upon insertion of the intraocular bubble. Ocular rigidity vs age data are presented. Conclusion:The device developed can record pressure - volume curves for the living human eye on an accurate and reproducible basis. In the case that ocular rigidity needs to be decreased, this can be achieved by the insertion of an appropriate compressible implant.
Keywords: 574 sclera • 444 intraocular pressure