Intra-ocular pressure during and after playing high and low resistance wind instruments

Background. A Valsalva maneuver was performed while playing wind instruments during which the intraocular pressure (IOP) increased. Methods. IOP was assessed by a rebound tonometer while playing 32 high and low resistance wind instruments in a sitting position. The measurements were obtained during normal and laboured playing sequences as well as after cessation. Results. The highest increase in IOP of 9.2 mmHg (p<0.001) could be observed during laboured playing of high resistance wind instruments. Additionally a negative correlation was detected between the level of the IOP increase and the relative decrease towards the initial value after performance. Conclusion. IOP changes found in particular during laboured playing with high resistance wind instruments could be a risk factor for glaucomatous optic nerve damage.