Postural Ophthalmodynamometry in Carotid Artery Occlusive Disease

Abstract

Ophthalmodynamometry measures relative pressure of the retinal arteries and constitutes a rapid and safe test for internal carotid artery occlusive disease. A comparison of the retinal artery pressures when the patient is standing with those or when he is sitting or in a supine position enhances the sensitivity and diagnostic usefulness of the test. The effect of posture on the retinal artery pressure was measured in 58 patients, 20 with carotid artery occlusive disease, 18 with intracranial cerebrovascular disease, and 20 with miscellaneous conditions. The greatest value of postural ophthalmodynamometry was the detection of chronic and bilateral, as well as early, carotid artery occlusive disease. Six cases illustrate the significance of the results.