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Effects of hyperbaric air pressure on keratometry
American Journal of Optometry and Physiological Optics
|March 1, 1975
Summary
Scuba divers may experience vision blur at depth due to increased pressure affecting the eye's cornea. This study found that higher pressure in a hyperbaric chamber increased corneal refractive power in volunteers and on test objects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diving Medicine
- Physiological Optics
Background:
- Scuba divers report vision blur at depths exceeding 100 feet.
- Understanding the physiological effects of pressure on vision is crucial for diver safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between increased ambient pressure and changes in corneal refractive power.
- To determine the cause of vision blur experienced by scuba divers at depth.
Main Methods:
- Keratometric readings were obtained from volunteers inside a hyperbaric chamber.
- Measurements were also taken on test steel balls under varying pressures.
- The study explored whether changes were due to atmospheric index or instrument optics.
Main Results:
- Increased chamber pressure led to a higher dioptric value in corneal readings.
- This pressure-induced refractive change was also observed in measurements on steel balls.
- The study initiated an exploration into the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon.
Conclusions:
- Increased pressure appears to dynamically alter corneal refractive power.
- This finding offers a potential explanation for vision blur reported by deep-diving scuba divers.
- Further research is needed to differentiate between atmospheric index and optical displacement effects.