The perilimbal suction cup was utilized to measure the rate of aqueous flow according to the Ericson´s method. Suction pressure of 50 mmHg for 15 minutes was applied and the rate of aqueous flow ,was calculated from the resultant increase of intraocular, pressure,. using the Friedenwald´s table.
Twenty eyes from 20 healthy normal individuals were investigated. The average rate of flow was found to be 0.66 cu.mm/min., ranging from 0.45 to 0.86 cu.mm./min. The increased intra-ocular pressure induced by the suction cup returned to original normal level within 15 minutes after the removal of the suction cup.
This estimate of the rate of aqueous flow is less than that obtained by tonography, fluorescein and perfusion studies. The factors responsible for this low value, e.g., decreased aqueous formation due to elevated intraocular pressure, leakage of aqueous, etc., were discussed.
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