Changes in the intraocular pressure in chronic liver diseases with ascites

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present work is to study changes in the intraocular pressure in cases having chronic liver diseases with ascites. Fifty patients suffering from chronic liver diseases with ascites and 12 non ascitic patients as a control were studied. Careful history, thorough clinical examination, laboratory, ultrasono-graphic and endoscopic investigations were performed for every patient and contro1. The intrao-cular pressure was measured by Schiotz indentation tonometer and confirmed by hand held applanation tonometer in 3 different sittings. There was no significant difference in the mean intraocular pressure between ascitic patients and non-ascitic controls. There was positive statistical correlation between the degree of portal hypertension as manifested by congestive splenomegaly and the intraocular pressure in 38patients. The lowest intraocular pressure measurements were found in 14 patients with blood urea ranging from 68 - 152 mg. This may be explained by the osmotic effect of urea on aqueous outflow present in patients with chronic liver diseases and ascites who are prone to develop functional renal failure. There was a significant decrease in the intraocular pressure in ascitic patients after diuretic therapy when compared to values before therapy