PurposeTonometry, or measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), is one of the most important examination procedures in ophthalmic clinics, and IOP is an important parameter in the diagnosis of glaucoma. Because there are numerous types of tonometer available, it is important to evaluate the differences in readings between different tonometers. Goldmann applanation tonometers (GATs) and noncontact air-puff tonometers (APTs) are largely available in ophthalmic clinics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of AP tonometer by comparing the measurements of IOP made using this device with those made using a GAT.Patients and methodsThis study involved 196 eyes from 98 study participants, all of whom were patients attending an ophthalmic outpatient clinic. Each patient’s IOP was measured using both Goldmann applanation tonometry and AP tonometry, and the difference in readings between the two methods was calculated.ResultsThe mean IOP as measured by GAT was 13.06 ± 4.774 mmHg, while that as measured by AP tonometer was 15.91 ± 6.955 mmHg. The mean difference between the two methods of measurement was 2.72 ± 2.34 mmHg. The readings obtained by AP tonometer were higher than those obtained by GAT in 74% of patients, and this difference was most obvious when the GAT measurement of IOP exceeded 24 mmHg. No statistically significant variation in IOP was noted between the devices when the patients’ age, sex, and laterality (right and left eyes) were considered.ConclusionThere is a significant difference in the measurement of IOP between GATs and AP tonometers. Goldmann applanation tonometry remains the most suitable and reliable method for measuring IOP. Because measurements of IOP by AP tonometer are usually higher than those obtained by GAT regardless of the patient’s age, sex, or laterality of eyes, AP tonometry is a suitable method for community or mass screenings of IOP.

Background: The ideal cycloplegic drug that is safe, effective and convenient in children is not yet available. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two cycloplegic regimens in hyperopic children. The responses to cycloplegia in different age groups and presence of strabismus were also compared. Methods: It is the first study done in our country, atropine eye drops 1% (regimen I) and cyclopentolate eye drops 1% (regimen II) was evaluated in fifty children. Cycloplegic refractions were assessed. Statistical analysis: The data are presented as mean and standard deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software 17. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The total refractions were recorded after cycloplegia with atropine 1% or cyclopentolate 1% eye drops. Atropine refraction (mean+3.89 ± 2.45 D) was statically insignificantly comparing with cyclopentolate refraction (mean +3.58 ± 2.30 D; P>0.05 Conclusion: We suggest that the cyclopentolate applied to younger or older children is sufficient to produce good cycloplegia, with an effect similar to atropine.

BackgroundCentral corneal thickness (CCT) is an important indicator of corneal status. Its measurement provides valid information about corneal physiological condition and possible changes associated with diseases, traumas, and hypoxia. It is an integral part for interpretation of intraocular pressure and glaucoma patient management and in prerefractive procedure assessment.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the mean CCT among a normal Iraqi population and to correlate between CCT and age, gender, refraction, and corneal curvature.Patients and methodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out at Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital. A total of 418 eyes from 209 healthy individuals with an age range from 20 to 75 years were studied. CCT was measured by ultrasound pachymeter. Refraction was measured using an auto-refractor and confirmed by trial lenses and retinoscopy to calculate the spherical equivalent. Corneal curvature was measured using an auto-refracto-keratometer to calculate the average corneal curvature (AVK).ResultsThe mean CCT was 543.95±32.58 μm with a range from 422 to 636 μm. CCT was not affected by gender. CCT significantly negatively correlated with age and AVK. CCT significantly positively correlated with the spherical equivalence.Conclusion and recommendationAmong an Iraqi population, CCT significantly decreased with age. Myopics had significantly thinner corneas. There was weak but significant negative correlation between CCT and corneal curvature. We recommend further studies about the relationship between central corneal thickness and other ocular parameters in Iraqi population such as the axial length.

BackgroundDry eye disorder is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in discomfort and visual disturbance. Corneal pachymetry becomes increasingly important in refractive surgery, for the accurate assessment of intraocular pressure, and in the preoperative assessment of other ocular surgeries.PurposeTo assess the effect of dry eye disorder on the central corneal thickness (CCT) by comparing with CCT of normal eyes of age-matched individuals.Patients and methodsThe total number of eyes examined was 280 (140 dry eyes from 70 patients and 140 normal eyes from 70 individuals). Pentacam (Scheimpflug imaging system) was used for measuring the CCT of all eyes.ResultsPatients with dry eye syndrome had significantly lower CCT compared to the control group (P<0.01). Its mean was 536.5 versus 561.3, respectively.ConclusionCCT of dry eyes was significantly reduced when compared with age- and gender-matched population. This result can be attributed to chronic desiccation by the inflammatory mediators in dry eyes, leading to corneal thinning.

BackgroundThis study examined the changes in short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) in a prospective series of patients undergoing intravitreal bevacizumab injection. The aim was to evaluate the frequency and predictive factors related to intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in patients receiving intravitreal bevacizumab.Patients and methodsThis study included 52 patients with diabetic retinopathy between 28 to 75 years of age with a mean age of 51 years; 30 (58%) were females, and 22 (42%) were males. All patients received bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) injected intravitreally in a standard fashion between May 2012 to February 2013 in the AL-Jumhoury teaching hospital. IOP was measured at baseline, 5, 10, and 30 minutes after injection using Goldman applanation tonometry.StatisticsData were analyzed using the SPSS v.12.0 for windows. Basic, demographic, and clinical data were analyzed using means, proportions, and appropriate 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsMost patients (85%) were diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, while 15% presented with diabetic macular edema. The mean IOP values at baseline, 5, 10, and 30 minutes after injection were 14.0 mmHg (95% CI 13.4–14.7), 36.1 mmHg (95% CI 33.5–38.6), 25.7 mmHg (95% CI 23.8–27.5), and 15.5 mmHg (95% CI 12.4–16.51), respectively. Regression analysis showed a trend toward phakic patients having higher IOP at 30 minutes.ConclusionIntravitreal injection of bevacizumab is safe with respect to short-term IOP changes, as almost all IOP returned to a safe range (<25 mmHg) within 30 minutes. Elevated IOP 30 minutes after injection only occurs rarely, so routine prophylactic use of anti-glaucoma medication is not indicated.