Effect of ocular compression on intraocular pressure

A prospective double-blind controlled study was undertaken to determine the effects of different compression times applied to soften the eye on normal subjects. Application of the Honan intraocular pressure reducer (HIPR) produced a significantly (p less than 0.02) greater decrease in intraocular pressure when applied for 40 minutes (14.3 mmHg SD = 1.7) when compared to a five-minute application (8.8 mmHg SD = 1.7). No untoward effects were noted in these patients. Physiologic effects of external ocular compression are discussed.