[Ocular pulse amplitude: a new biometrical parameter for the diagnose of glaucoma?]. / Okuläre Pulsamplitude als biometrischer Messwert in der Glaukomdiagnostik.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) enables accurate transcorneal measurements of the intraocular pressure and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA). In this study, we investigated whether this new biometrical parameter can characterize different glaucoma types and serve as a helpful tool in the diagnosis and therapy of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 441 eyes of 222 patients were included. Pressure measurements were performed with contour and applanation tonometry. RESULTS: Mean OPA was 3.1+/-1.4 mmHg. Eyes with ocular hypertension showed significantly higher OPA values (3.6+/-1.3 mmHg) than healthy eyes (3.1+/-1.4 mmHg) and eyes with low-tension glaucoma (2.9+/-1.4 mmHg). After trabeculectomy, the values were significantly lower (2.4+/-1.3 mmHg) than in healthy eyes. CONCLUSION: The size of the OPA seems to be characteristic for different types of glaucoma and directly dependent on intraocular pressure levels. Further investigation is indicated to clarify its diagnostic usefulness.