The Effect of a Diving Mask on Intraocular Pressure in a Healthy Population

Abstract

Purpose: Swimming goggles increase the intraocular pressure (IOP) via the periorbital frame pressure and suction effect. In comparison, diving masks have a larger frame rim and incorporate the nose. The exact effect(s) of diving masks on IOP is unknown. This study evaluates the influence of diving masks on IOP in normal, healthy subjects. Methods: Tonometry was performed in both eyes of all subjects with an AVIA^®Tono-Pen by a single investigator. Measurements were taken at baseline without the diving mask and with the subjects wearing a small-volume, double-window diving mask, but with the mask lenses removed. Two IOP readings in each eye were measured, and an additional reading was measured if the difference between the initial 2 was ≥2 mm Hg. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was also measured in each eye, using a contact pachymeter (OcuScan^®Alcon). Results: Forty eyes of 20 healthy volunteers (age 29.7 ± 9.3 years; range 21–52) were included. The mean CCT was 544.4 ± 43.5 µm. The mean IOP before the diving mask was worn had been 17.23 ± 2.18 mm Hg (n = 40). The IOP decreased by 0.43 mm Hg (p < 0.05) to 16.80 ± 2.57 mm Hg after the diving mask had been put on. There was no correlation between IOP change and age (r = 0.143, p = 0.337), gender (r = –0.174, p = 0.283) or CCT (r = –0.123, p = 0.445). Conclusion: There was no increase in IOP after the diving mask had been worn. A small but statistically significant decrease in IOP was observed. This study demonstrates that unlike swimming goggles, the strap tension and frame pressure on the periorbital tissue from a diving mask does not increase IOP. Diving masks may be a suitable alternative to swimming goggles for patients with advanced glaucoma or glaucoma filtration surgery.

Physical exercise and glaucoma: a review on the roles of physical exercise on intraocular pressure control, ocular blood flow regulation, neuroprotection and glaucoma‐related mental health

“…Scuba diving is a kind of underwater diving where the divers breathe underwater with the help of self-contained breathing equipment. Contrary to swimming goggles, the diving mask has not been found to induce any increase in IOP (Goenadi et al 2016). As early as the 1970s, Kalthoff et al (1975) reported that under excessive pressures of 2 and 4 atm, the IOP decreased by 2-3 mmHg.…”

“…Contrary to swimming goggles, the diving mask has not been found to induce any increase in IOP (Goenadi et al. ). As early as the 1970s, Kalthoff et al.…”

A deep dive into hyperbaric environments and intraocular pressure—a systematic review

“…To provide a watertight seal while diving, diving masks need to fit tightly against the periorbital region, with the potential risk of raising the IOP. Goenadi et al explored this possible relationship by studying the effect of dive mask wearing on IOP, in a cohort of 40 eyes from 20 healthy volunteers ( 32 ). The AVIA Tono-Pen (Reichert Inc., NY, United States) was used to measure IOP at baseline with and without the diving mask (with the lenses removed) worn.…”

Effect of SCUBA Diving on Ophthalmic Parameters

“…Similar observations are expected in SCUBA diving, and it is the most likely hypothesis to explain our results. Other hypotheses were also considered as being unlikely with our experimental setting: Goenadi et al suggest that in contrast with swimming goggles, diving masks can induce small decrease of 0.43 mmHg in IOP after diving [64]. All divers wore diving masks (different from swimming goggles), respected mask pressure normalization during diving, and no mask squeeze was observed.…”

“…Goenadi et al suggest that in contrast with swimming goggles, diving masks can induce small decrease of 0.43 mmHg in IOP after diving [ 64 ]. All divers wore diving masks (different from swimming goggles), respected mask pressure normalization during diving, and no mask squeeze was observed.…”