Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Change in intraocular pressure during scleral depression
Richard Trevino1, Brandi Stewart1
1Rosenberg School of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word, 9725 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States.
Purpose:
Manometric studies have found that intraocular pressure (IOP) rises 116-350 mmHg during scleral depression in surgical settings. No information is available regarding the effect of scleral depression on IOP in routine clinical settings. The aim of this study is to quantify the change in IOP that occurs when scleral depression is performed on normal eyes in a routine clinical setting.
Methods:
A total of 28 eyes from 28 normal subjects were included. Tono-Pen tonometry was performed while scleral depression was performed in each of the two quadrants: superotemporal (ST) and inferonasal (IN). A post-procedure IOP measurement was obtained following each scleral depression examination. Both ST and IN quadrants were tested on all eyes, with the quadrant tested first chosen at random (15 ST, 13 IN).
Results:
The mean IOP during scleral depression was 65.3 mmHg ST and 47.8 mmHg IN, with a maximum recorded IOP of 88 mmHg. The mean change in IOP for the ST quadrant was 51.9 ± 17.3 mmHg and 46.4 ± 16.0 mmHg for the right and left eyes, respectively. The mean change in IOP for the IN quadrant was 45.3 ± 22.7 mmHg and 16.8 ± 15.8 mmHg for the right and left eyes, respectively.
Conclusions:
Scleral depression as performed in a routine office setting produces wide fluctuations in IOP and may impair ocular perfusion. Additional studies are needed to determine the long-term consequences of routine scleral depression.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

