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The authors considered the possibility of using the Pulsair-Keeler non-contact tonometer in self-tonometry. For this reason, 45 patients have been trained to use the instrument and, after a reasonable trial period, were able to self-measure their IOP, The results have been compared to the tonometric values measured with Goldmann tonometer to evaluate statistically the limits and the dependability of this method of measurement. The results shows that self-tonometry with the Pulsair-Keeler tonometer can be used in monitoring glaucomatous patients at home.

The authors used the Zeiss Humphrey (Mod840, 50MHz) ultrabiomicroscope to evaluate the changes that Brimonidine, Apraclonidine, Latanoprost and Ibopamine cause in the anterior chamber and on the ciliary body of healthy subjects. The eyes of 60 volunteers, separated into 4 groups according to drug instilled, were studied and the parameters analyzed were: anterior chamber depth (ACD), pupillary diameter (PD), angle opening at 500 microns from the scleral spur (AOD500), trabecular iris angle (TIA) and iris thicknesses (ID1 and ID3). The study showed the miotic effect of Brimonidine (S) that was accompanied by an angle opening (S). Apraclonidine and Latanoprost caused no statistically significant changes in the angle or in the ciliary body. Ibopamine caused mydriasis (S). The UBM, therefore, showed itself to be useful also in the study of the mechanism of action of drugs on the angular structures and on the ciliary body.

Summary
Contradicting results concerning IOP control and visual field deterioration are presented. Some of these inconsistencies may be due to the statistical method of analysis. Sixty POAG patients with a perimetric follow-up over 3 years were selected. Mean and maximum IOPs were considered during the same period. The patients were divided into two groups according to the IOP control (well controlled or poorly controlled). Visual field progression was defined as a reduction in sensitivity over the fifth percentile in more than four points. Mean IOPs were not significantly different in the group of patients with a visual field deterioration compared to the stable ones, but the percentage of patients with a visual field deterioration was significantly higher in patients with higher IOPs. This holds especially true if IOP below 16 mmHg (G) is considered the 'target pressure'. IOP reduction seems to play an essential role in visual field progression. In glaucomatous patients, a strict (<16 mmHg (G)) might be necessary.