Abstract
Ocular rigidity is a macroscopic parameter characterizing the relationship between pressure and volume changes in the human eye. Ocular rigidity depends on the architecture and material properties of the globe. Measurements of ocular rigidity have mainly been performed by means of invasive manometric devices or paired Schiotz tonometry. These measurements pertain to the injection (or displacement) of a given volume in the eye and measurement of the associated intraocular pressure change. Ocular volume, age, intraocular pressure, arterial pressure and ocular blood volume have all been suggested to influence ocular rigidity. Moreover, rigidity has been shown to be altered in patients with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The significance of an accurate assessment of this parameter is apparent in tonometry, tonography and pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements, while its possible role in the pathogenesis of ocular disease remains to be elucidated.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
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