Effect of a tight necktie on intraocular pressure

Br J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;87(8):946-8. doi: 10.1136/bjo.87.8.946.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of a tight necktie on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using Goldmann applanation tonometry.

Methods: 40 eyes of 20 normal subjects and 20 open angle glaucoma patients (all male) were enrolled. IOP was measured with an open shirt collar, 3 minutes after placing a tight necktie, and 3 minutes after loosening it. All measurements were made by the same examiner.

Results: Mean IOP in normal subjects increased by 2.6 (SD 3.9) mm Hg (p=0.008, paired t test; range -3 to +14 mm Hg) and in glaucoma patients by 1.0 (1.8) mm Hg (p=0.02, paired t test; range -2 to +4.5 mm Hg). In normal subjects, IOP in 12 eyes was increased by >/=2 mm Hg and in seven eyes by >/=4 mm Hg. In glaucoma patients, IOP in six eyes was increased by >/=2 mm Hg and in two eyes by >/=4 mm Hg.

Conclusion: A tight necktie increases IOP in both normal subjects and glaucoma patients and could affect the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Clothing / adverse effects*
  • Constriction, Pathologic / complications
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / diagnosis
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / etiology
  • Glaucoma, Open-Angle / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck*
  • Ocular Hypertension / etiology
  • Pressure
  • Risk Factors
  • Tonometry, Ocular