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Abstract #9187 Published in IGR 5-2
Episcleral venous pressure in younger and older subjects in the sitting and supine positions
Sultan M; Blondeau PJournal of Glaucoma 2003; 12: 370-373
PURPOSE: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is higher in older than younger subjects during the day and night. The authors attempted to determine whether episcleral venous pressure could explain the difference in the sitting and supine positions. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The authors compared episcleral venous pressure, IOP, and blood pressure in a group of younger subjects aged 18-30 years and in a group of older subjects aged 65 years or older. The above measurements were performed in the sitting position and after 15 minutes in the supine position. RESULTS: The main difference between the groups was their systemic conditions. Comparing both groups, episcleral venous pressure and IOP were not different in the sitting position. However, in the supine position, episcleral venous pressure (9.6 versus 8.3 mmHg) (p < 0.01) and IOP (17.1 versus 15.6 mmHg) (p < 0.05) were higher in the older group. Statistically, a within-group analysis showed a significant increase in IOP in the supine position for both the younger (+0.8 mmHg) (p < 0.001) and older subjects (+1.8 mmHg) (p < 0.02). This was associated with an increased episcleral venous pressure in younger (+0.4 mmHg) (p < 0.001) and older subjects (+1 mmHg) (p < 0.02). There was no gender difference in IOP and episcleral venous pressure. No differences were found for IOP and episcleral venous pressure in subjects having certain systemic conditions. Blood pressure was higher for older subjects (p < 0.001). It decreased in the supine position for both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: IOP and episcleral venous pressure were not different in the younger and older group in the sitting position. They were higher in the supine position for older subjects. There was no gender difference.
Dr. P. Blondeau, Hôtel-Dieu, 580 Bowen Sud, Sherbrooke (Québec) Canada J1G 2E8. blondeau@globetrotter.net
Classification:
6.20 Progression (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)
