Study on How Changes in Carbon Dioxide Levels Affect Eye Pressure and Choroidal Thickness in Children Under Anesthesia

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand how changes in the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood affect the pressure inside the eye and the thickness of the choroid, the layer of blood vessels between the retina and sclera. The study focuses on children up to 8 years old undergoing eye exams or non-intraocular eye procedures while under anesthesia. It explores whether increased vitreous pressure during surgery is related to changes in choroidal volume, which may cause complications. During the study, childrens end tidal carbon dioxide levels will be adjusted to specific targets 30, 40, and 50 mmHg during anesthesia. After holding each level for five minutes, the pressure inside the eye will be measured with a pneumatonometer, and three scans of the choroid will be taken using an integrated optical coherence tomography OCT device built into the operating microscope. Measurements of the eyes axial length and positioning checks ensure accurate and consistent imaging. Participants will have their eye examined once consent is given while under anesthesia. The study involves multiple evaluations of intraocular pressure and choroidal thickness at each carbon dioxide level. Researchers will monitor these measurements to understand their relationship. The total participation duration aligns with the timing of the exam and the ventilation changes, with careful monitoring throughout. The study is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh and will continue until December 2026.

Effect of Raised End-Tidal pCo2 on Choroidal Volume