A new system to supply carbon dioxide safely to glaucoma patients

Purpose: To develop a new system for safely supplying carbon dioxide (CO2) to open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: The orbital hemodynamics of 7 glaucoma patients were determined by color Doppler imaging under baseline conditions and during CO2 supplementa tion sufficient to increase the end-tidal CO2 partial pressure by 10%. Syst emic conditions, including oxygen saturation and blood pressure, were monit ored throughout the CO2 inhalation. Results: Our results demonstrate that this new system enables us to supply CO2 in a safe, controlled manner to glaucoma patients. Conclusions: This new system will be useful for investigating the effects o f vasodilation by CO2 on orbital blood flow. Jpn J Ophthalmol 1999;43:16-19 (C) 1999 Japanese Ophthalmological Society.