Contralateral Forced Eyelid Closure Increases Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe the influence of contralateral forced eyelid closure on intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: Twenty-one healthy volunteers with no ophthalmic history had their IOP measured in the supine position to simulate the intraoperative environment. Intraocular pressure was measured with a handheld tonometer over three scenarios: (1) both eyes in a relaxed state, (2) eyelid speculum in the right eye with both eyes open and relaxed, (3) eyelid speculum in the right eye with the fellow eye squeezing tightly. Results: Intraocular pressure significantly increased with forced contralateral eyelid squeezing compared with the relaxed state by a mean of 7.7165.08 mm Hg (95% Confidence Interval of 5.40-7.37), P,0.001. Conclusions: Contralateral eyelid squeezing can significantly increase intraoperative IOP measurements.