Effect of Eye Rubbing on Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressure (IOP) are affected by eye rubbing. Materials and Methods: Healthy individuals, aged between 15 and 50 years, without any ocular pathological signs were included. Corneal biomechanical parameters, Goldmann-equivalent intraocular pressure (IOPg), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal hysteresis (CH) values were measured using an ocular response analyzer (ORA). Measurements were taken at baseline and immediately after 30 seconds of eye rubbing. ORA parameters before and after eye rubbing were analyzed using student’s t test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We included eighty-one eyes of 53 individuals with a mean age of 32±10.11(15-50) years. Before eye rubbing, the mean measurement values were as follows: CH 10.93±1.69 mmHg, CRF 10.82±1.78 mmHg, IOPg 15.76±3.18 mmHg, and IOPcc 15.74±2.69 mmHg. The mean values after eye rubbing were: CH 11.11±1.52 mmHg, CRF 10.54±1.56 mmHg, IOPg 14.32±3.10 mmHg, and IOPcc 14.20±2.77 mmHg. The decrease in CRF, IOPg, and IOPcc was statistically significant, while the change in CH was found to be statistically insignificant. Conclusion: CRF, IOPg, and IOPcc decreased significantly after eye rubbing and this should be considered before taking any ORA measurements and interpreting the results. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2014; 44: 268-71)

Keywords

• Cornea
• eye rubbing
• ocular response analyzer