Ophthalmodynamometry and Ocular Pulse Studies in Carotid Occlusion

Abstract

Ophthalmodynamometry and ocular pulse studies were performed on rabbits with surgically induced acute and chronic unilateral common carotid occlusion. Ocular pulses were recorded by the suction cup technique at intraocular pressures between 8 and 140 mm Hg and were correlated with choroidal and retinal diastolic and systolic pressures. Choroidal systole and diastole were found to be approximately 14 mm Hg less than corresponding retinal values. Peak ocular pulse amplitudes were obtained at intraocular pressures approximately one-half retinal diastolic values. The ocular pulse amplitude was more sensitive than ophthalmodynamometry in detecting both acute and chronic carotid occlusions.