Determination of Central Venous Pressure from Intraocular Pressure

Abstract

Background: In many clinical situations, knowledge of central venous pressure (CVP) is important. Measurement of CVP is not always possible. Objective: To determine if intraocular pressure (IOP) can be used as an estimate for CVP. Methods: IOP and CVP were measured concurrently in 30 candidates of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Those with carotid artery or jugular venous diseases as well as those with glaucoma or cardiac ejection fraction of less than 50% were excluded from the study. Results: A linear correlation was found between CVP and IOP (r = 0.66, p<0.001). CVP can be easily derived by halving the IOP. Conclusion: The use of this very simple method, particularly in those health care centers where due to the lack of necessary equipment for accessing central veins, CVP measurement is not possible, may provide useful information to physicians.