Effects of prone and reverse trendelenburg positioning on ocular parameters

: In a pilot study of awake volunteers, intraocular pressure (IOP), choroid layer thickness, and optic nerve diameter were shown to increase in the prone position over 5 h with a nonsignificant trend of attenuation using a 4-degree increase of table inclination. These effects have previously not been isolated from anesthetic and fluid administration over a prolonged period, using an adequate sample size.

: After institutional review board approval, 10 healthy volunteers underwent IOP measurement (Tono-Pen XL, Medtronic Solan, Jacksonville, FL) as well as choroidal thickness and optic nerve diameter assessment (Sonomed B-1000, Sonomed, Inc., Lake Success, NY, or the I System-ABD, Innovative Imaging, Inc., Sacramento, CA) on a Jackson table (Orthopedic Systems, Inc., Union City, CA), during 5 h horizontal prone and 5 h 4-degree reverse Trendelenburg positioning. Measurements were assessed as initial supine, initial prone, and hourly thereafter. Vital signs were recorded at each position and time point.

: IOP, choroidal thickness, and optic nerve diameter were observed to increase with time in the prone position. A small degree of reverse Trendelenburg attenuated the increase in choroidal thickness but not IOP or optic nerve diameter.

: Prolonged prone positioning increases IOP, choroid layer thickness, and optic nerve diameter independent of anesthetics and intravenous fluid infusion and 4 degrees of table inclination (15 cm of head to foot vertical disparity) may not attenuate these effects.