Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Variation of blood pressure during topical phacoemulsification
Y C Yap1, W W Woo, T Kathirgamanathan
1Department of Ophthalmology, Watford General Hospital, UK. eyapyc@gmail.com
Background:
The changes of blood pressure in patients undergoing cataract procedure are not well studied. The blood pressures of cataract patients often become uncontrolled intraoperatively causing the procedure to be postponed. Intraoperative rise in blood pressure has been associated with ocular complications such as suprachoroidal haemorrhage and can be fatal from stroke or even myocardial infarction. We attempt to study the changes in blood pressure of patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Aim:
Prospective study on the variation of blood pressure pre- and intra-operatively.
Method:
The blood pressure readings of patients going for cataract procedures were measured in five stages during the pre-assessment clinic, on arrival at the day surgery, at the anaesthetic room, on the operating table intraoperatively; and postoperatively. The readings were compared to their age, sex, past medical history, and use of antihypertensive medication.
Results:
The rise in systolic blood pressures between intraoperative readings and those at the preassessment and anaesthetic room was highly statistically significant.Being older (>65 years of age), taking more than two antihypertensive drugs, being hypertensive, or having a family history of hypertension does not appear to increase the risk.
Conclusion:
Our study showed that there is a significant rise in systolic blood pressures especially in females during topical phacoemulsification. Further studies are needed on the factors that determine this increase and the changes in blood pressures during different stages of the procedure.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Measurement of Blood Pressure
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
