CPT® Code 92260

Ophthalmodynamometry (ODM) is a specialized diagnostic procedure utilized to measure the blood pressure within the central retinal artery or vein. This noninvasive technique is particularly significant in the assessment of ocular health and vascular conditions. During the procedure, an ophthalmoscopic examination is conducted on the central retinal artery and vein while the intraocular pressure is induced and gradually increased. To facilitate this examination, the patient's eyes are first dilated, and numbing drops are instilled to minimize discomfort. An ophthalmodynamometer, a precise instrument designed for this purpose, is then employed to apply pressure on the globe of the eye, directing it towards the center of the eyeball. The patient is instructed to maintain a fixed gaze straight ahead with the unaffected eye, ensuring stability during the measurement process. As pressure is applied, a calibrated plunger on the ophthalmodynamometer transmits the degree of eye compression to a unit scale. The procedure involves noting the reading at two critical points: first, when the central retinal artery ceases to pulsate and becomes completely collapsed and blanched due to the applied pressure, which provides the systolic measurement; and second, when the artery begins to pulsate again after the collapse, indicating the diastolic pressure measurement. The average diastolic value of retinal pressure is typically around 47 mm/Hg, while the systolic value averages 78 mm/Hg. These measurements are crucial for detecting retinal hypertension and assessing potential diseases related to the internal carotid artery, as there is a correlation between these measurements. Additionally, the pressure measured in the central retinal vein serves as a non-invasive screening method for suspected elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), as the pressure in the vein is influenced by the ICP due to the optic nerve being surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. When the central retinal vein collapses or pulsates, it indicates that the ICP is at least equal to or greater than the pressure within the optic nerve, making this procedure an important tool in ophthalmic and neurological assessments.