Competing/conflicts of interest: No stated conflict of interest.
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Original Article
Damping of intraocular pressure fluctuations
Article first published online: 17 MAY 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02784.x
© 2012 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2012 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Cringle, S. J. and Yu, D.-Y. (2012), Damping of intraocular pressure fluctuations. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 40: 881–887. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02784.x
Funding sources: The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; The ARC Center of Excellence in Vision Science; Cascade Ophthalmics, USA.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 17 MAY 2012
- Accepted manuscript online: 7 MAR 2012 07:27AM EST
- Received 23 November 2011; accepted 2 February 2012.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- glaucoma;
- intraocular pressure;
- IOP fluctuation
Abstract
Background: There is increasing evidence that relatively rapid spikes in intraocular pressure may contribute to axonal damage in glaucoma. The present study seeks to quantify the ability of a compressible damping element (a simple air bubble) to reduce intraocular pressure fluctuations induced by a known change in intraocular fluid volume.
Methods: A mathematical model describing the damping of intraocular pressure increases for a given infusion volume was developed and compared with experimental data obtained from isolated pig eyes. A damping element (100 µL to 2 mL of air) was added to the system, and the effect on the induced intraocular pressure change for a given infusion volume was assessed.
Results: The introduction of the damping element reduced the intraocular pressure change in a volume-dependent manner consistent with the mathematical modelling. The maximum bubble size tested (2 mL) dampened the intraocular pressure change by an average of 63.5 ± 8.7% at a baseline pressure close to 20 mmHg. Close agreement was seen between the mathematical model and the experimental data.
Conclusion: Mathematical modelling and experiments in isolated pig eyes demonstrated that the addition of a damping element in the form of a compressible air bubble is capable of significantly reducing induced intraocular pressure spikes.