Name of the Procedure:

Serial Tonometry (Separate Procedure) – Multiple Intraocular Pressure Measurements (Diurnal Curve or Acute IOP Management)

Summary

Serial tonometry involves taking repeated measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) over a single day to monitor fluctuations. This process aids in diagnosing and managing conditions like glaucoma and acute elevations in IOP. The results are interpreted, and a report is generated on the same day.

Purpose

Serial tonometry is used to:

• Diagnose and monitor glaucoma.
• Assess the effectiveness of treatments for acute elevations in intraocular pressure.
• Understand how IOP varies over a day (diurnal curve).

Indications

• Symptoms like blurred vision or eye pain.
• Diagnosed risk factors for glaucoma.

• Acute events of high intraocular pressure.

  Preparation

• No specific fasting or preparation needed.
• Avoid caffeine or large fluid intake prior to the procedure for accurate readings.
• Remove contact lenses.

Procedure Description

1. The patient rests while the pressure inside their eye is measured using a tonometer.
2. Measurements are taken multiple times over the course of the day.
3. The tonometer may contact the eye or use a non-contact method (air puff).
4. Anesthetic eye drops may be used for comfort with contact methods.
5. Data is recorded and analyzed for interpretation.

Duration

The procedure involves several readings taken throughout a single day, usually spaced by a few hours.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed in an ophthalmologist's office or an outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or trained eye care professional.
• Clinical assistants for patient coordination and support.

Risks and Complications

• Slight discomfort or mild irritation due to multiple eye measurements.
• Rare risk of infection if contact tonometry is used.

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of intraocular pressure variations.
• Helps tailor individual treatment plans for patients with glaucoma or acute IOP elevations.
• Immediate interpretation and action plan on the same day.

Recovery

• No extensive recovery period is needed.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up depends on the findings and treatment plan.

Alternatives

• Single measurement tonometry.
• Automated intraocular pressure devices for home monitoring.
• Regular professional office visits for periodic IOP checks.

Patient Experience

• Brief moments of discomfort with contact methods.
• Patients might feel apprehensive but can remain comfortable with anesthetic drops.
• Repeated visits to the clinic over the day for measurements.

Pain management and comfort measures:

• Anesthetic eye drops to ensure comfort during contact measurements.
• Ensure a relaxed environment to keep the patient at ease.