Constant mild compression of the eye as an alternative to ocular massage

Constant mild compression of the eye with a rubber ball for 30 minutes prior to cataract extraction seems to be an efficient alternative to preoperative ocular massage. The average preoperative intraocular pressure was 4.34 mm Hg compared to 8.36 with digital massage and 6.31 with digital massage and I.V. Mannitol. The incidence of vitreous loss was 0.88% compared to 5% with digital massage.