principles of tonometry Flashcards
Why is a positive intraocular pressure required in the eye?
To maintain the shape of the eye
What is intraocular pressure largely determined by?
Aqueous production & outflow (drainage
What is the mean (average) IOP?
15.7mmHg (approx 16mmHg)
What is the (one) standard deviation of 16mmHg IOP?
2.5mmHg
What is the mean IOP (16mmHg) plus 2 standard deviations (2.5mmHg)?
21mmHg
What % of the population fall into the category of ± 2 SD of 16mmHg & IOP?
95%
What should be done if IOP is22mmHg or above with non contact tonometry?
Check goldmann application tonometry
What method of checking IOP is the gold standard?
Goldmann Applannation Tonometry
List 5 factors that have an effect on IOP.
- age
- gender
- genetically determined
- myopia
- race
How does age have an effect on IOP?
IOP rises by 1-2mmHg between 20-70 years old
Why does IOP increase by 1-2mmHg from the age of 20-70?
Due to systolic blood pressure increase as we age
How does gender affect IOP?
IOP is 1-2mmHg higher in older women
How does genetics affect IOP?
Family history can result in a lower or higher IOP
How does myopia affect IOP?
Myopia is associated with higher IOP
How does race affect IOP?
IOP is higher in the non glaucomatous black population than caucasian population
What causes the IOP to pulsate/vary?
The cardiac cycle, as the choroid fills with blood and is emptied, IOP varies
What is the term that describes the way in which time of day affects IOP?
Diurnal range (varies throughout the day)
What is a normal diurnal range?
3-5mmHg
What is considered to be a glaucomatous diurnal range?
13mmHg
What diurnal range is considered to be pathological (assess for glaucoma)?
10mmHg
When in the day does IOP peak (2)?
1) It is higher in the mornings (following an afternoon dip especially in males)
2) Some people have afternoon peaks (varies throughout the day)
How do we measure someone’s diurnal IOP range?
Repeat IOP measurements at different times of the day
What must always be recorded when measuring IOP, especially when monitoring the diurnal range?
The time of the day
How does drinking (a substantial amount of) water affect IOP?
It increases IOP by up to 3mmHg, with maximum effects at 20 minutes.
How does alcohol affect IOP?
It decreases IOP by up to 3mmHg, with maximum effects at 5 minutes.
How does coffee affect IOP?
It increases IOP by up to 3mmHg, with maximum effects at 20 minutes
How do you carry out a provocative test for glaucoma?
drink one litre of water and measure IOP after 15 minutes and/or lying down in the dark for 1 hour
a rise in IOP of 8mmHg suggests a risk of glaucoma due to decreased aqueous outflow
Why it is important to measure IOPs?
- raised IOP is one of the major risk factors of glaucoma
- glaucoma causes optic nerve fibres to atrophy/die
eg, optic neuropathy, visual field defects & possible blindness - reducing IOP can slow down the progression of optic neuropathy
- early detection is beneficial
What are the 4 different types of IOP measuring techniques?
- manometry
- indentation tonometry
- applanation tonometry
- non contact methods
How is manometry carried out?
A probe/pressure sensor is inserted into eye and pressure is measured
(not popular with patients)
In indentation tonometry, what is the amount of indentation proportional to?
The pressure inside the eye
What is indicated when the cornea is more indented in indentation tonometry?
Low pressure