CHANGE IN INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE BEFORE AND AFTER PHARMACOLOGIC MYDRIASIS IN NORMAL CONTROLS AND GROUP OF GLAUCOMA PATIENTS

Purpose: To assess changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following pharmacological pupil dilatation with 0.8% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine in normal controls, primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients post-YAG peripheral iridotomy (PI), and subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:This cross-sectional prospective study included 48 eyes15 normal,17 PACG post-YAG PI, and 16 POAG. IOP was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer before and 30 minutes after single instillation of mydriatic drops (0.8% tropicamide + 5% phenylephrine). Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon rank sum and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Conclusions: Pharmacologic dilatation can cause a significant intra-group elevation of IOP in PACG (post-YAG PI) and POAG eyes, but the difference between glaucoma patients and normal controls was not significant in this study. Routine IOP monitoring before dilatation is recommended, and caution is advised in glaucoma patients undergoing mydriasis.