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Open-angle glaucoma: variations in the intraocular pressure after visual field examination
Santi Maria Recupero1, Maria Teresa Contestabile, Luciano Taverniti
1Department of Ophthamology, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. santi.recupero@uniroma1.it
Journal of Glaucoma
|April 3, 2003
Summary
Automated visual field tests significantly increase intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma patients, especially older individuals. IOP returned to normal levels within an hour, with no changes observed in healthy subjects.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is crucial for POAG management.
- Automated visual field (AVF) testing is a standard diagnostic tool.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of AVF examination on IOP in POAG patients.
- To compare IOP changes in POAG patients versus healthy controls after AVF testing.
Main Methods:
- IOP was measured before and immediately after AVF testing in 49 POAG patients and 13 healthy subjects.
- The Humphrey 630 VF analyzer with the Central 30-2 program was used.
- Glaucoma patients were on stable medication for their condition.
Main Results:
- A significant IOP increase was observed immediately post-AVF in POAG patients (P < 0.01).
- Mean IOP increase was 2.38 mm Hg, with 44.68% of eyes showing >2 mm Hg rise.
- Elderly POAG patients exhibited a greater IOP rise; healthy subjects showed no significant change.
- IOP returned to baseline levels within 1 hour in POAG patients (P = 0.2).
Conclusions:
- AVF examination can cause significant, albeit temporary, IOP elevation in POAG patients.
- Age is a contributing factor to IOP fluctuations post-AVF.
- Further research is needed to explore other potential influencing factors.