The effect of an eyelid speculum on intraocular pressure measurement in children.

Abstract

To assess the effect of a pediatric eyelid speculum on the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in children. Observational case series. Intraocular pressure measurements were performed during examination under anesthesia immediately after induction. The measurements were made with and without a pediatric eyelid speculum in place. Intraocular pressure measurements were made in 77 eyes of 45 consecutive children. The mean IOP without the speculum was 16.33 mm Hg in the right eye and 16.55 mm Hg in the left eye. With the lid speculum in place the mean IOP was 20.26 mm Hg in the right eye and 20.05 mm Hg in the left eye (P <.05). The presence of an eyelid speculum raised IOP an average of 4 mm Hg. This effect should be considered when interpreting IOP measurements in children.