Monday, June 20, 2011

Effect of a tight necktie on interocular pressure

Teng C, Gurses-Ozden R, Liebmann JM, Tello C, Ritch R.

SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the effect of a tight necktie on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using Goldmann applanation tonometry.

METHODS: 40 eyes of 20 normal subjects and 20 open angle glaucoma patients (all male) were enrolled. IOP was measured with an open shirt collar, 3 minutes after placing a tight necktie, and 3 minutes after loosening it. All measurements were made by the same examiner.

RESULTS: Mean IOP in normal subjects increased by 2.6 (SD 3.9) mm Hg (p=0.008, paired t test; range -3 to +14 mm Hg) and in glaucoma patients by 1.0 (1.8) mm Hg (p=0.02, paired t test; range -2 to +4.5 mm Hg). In normal subjects, IOP in 12 eyes was increased by >/=2 mm Hg and in seven eyes by >/=4 mm Hg. In glaucoma patients, IOP in six eyes was increased by >/=2 mm Hg and in two eyes by >/=4 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION: A tight necktie increases IOP in both normal subjects and glaucoma patients and could affect the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.

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