Intraocular pressure fluctuations during strabismus operations and the postoperative period.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) variations which occur during and after strabismus surgery.

METHOD

We measured the IOP in 34 eyes of 20 pediatric patients undergoing primary strabismus surgery under general anesthesia. Measurements were performed by the Tono-Pen (Mentor O&Q Inc. Norwell, MA) prior to surgery, immediately after suturing of the conjunctive, and 1 week and 4 weeks after surgery. All patients received the same local antibiotics and steroid solutions postoperatively.

RESULTS

IOP decreased from baseline to the end of surgery by a mean of 8.26 +/- 1.8 mmHg and increased from baseline to 4 weeks after surgery by a mean of 3.6 +/- 1.8 mmHg. Thirty-eight percent of the eyes had an IOP of 21 mmHg or more during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

IOP variations are prevalent during and after strabismus surgery. Careful postoperative measurements are recommended in order to identify individuals who may be prone to iatrogenically increased IOP.