This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.
To the Editor:
—The paper of Hill, Lopez, and Hill entitled, "Effect of Retrobulbar Anesthesia Upon Intraocular Pressure" (Arch Ophthal [Chicago] 70: 178-180, 1963). It is gratifying to have other ophthalmologists emphasize the importance of checking the tension with a tonometer before making a section for cataract extraction. For 15 years I have used the tonometer routinely before making the section and prior to that a hook or blunt instrument to indent the globe as has been advocated for years. Having used both methods for many years, I am convinced that using the tonometer has decided advantages. If a tonometric reading has been decided upon as a safe limit then, if a higher tension is recorded, it acts as a more positive deterrent for beginning the operation before the eye is soft.The amount of hypotony desired varies with different surgeons, 10 mm of mercury or below with the Schiotz