A recent pilot study investigated whether dog owners can measure intraocular pressure at home and how this information may support the management of dogs predisposed to primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). The study was conducted by Dr. Hans D. Westermeyer and Dr. Jacklyn H. Salmon and included 14 dogs.
Background
Primary angle closure glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the retina and optic nerve due to elevated intraocular pressure. These IOP spikes can occur suddenly, often without warning signs, making early detection challenging. Frequently, the first affected eye loses vision before owners notice any symptoms.
While tonometry performed at a veterinary clinic provides valuable information, it cannot capture daily or even weekly fluctuations in IOP. The study aimed to determine whether owners could reliably measure IOP at home using the TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer and whether these measurements could assist in the clinical management of PACG.
Conclusions
- Home IOP monitoring by motivated owners can support PACG management.
- Sudden IOP spikes are common and often mark the onset of clinical glaucoma.
- Owner measurements can guide medication adjustments or timely surgical interventions, potentially preserving vision.
- While not all owners may achieve the same level of accuracy, home monitoring has clear benefits as an adjunct to veterinary care.
This study demonstrates that engaging owners in home IOP monitoring can enhance clinical decision-making, enable earlier intervention, and help tailor treatment plans for dogs at risk of PACG. Using TONOVET Plus, owners can detect pressure spikes that could otherwise go unnoticed, ultimately contributing to better long-term vision outcomes.
Read the research at Owner Obtained Intraocular Pressure Measurements in Canine Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma: A Pilot Study in 14 Dogs – PMC