The oculocardiac reflex during ophthalmoscopy in premature infants

Am J Ophthalmol. 1985 Jun 15;99(6):649-51. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)76029-5.

Abstract

Of 54 consecutive infants referred for ophthalmoscopy with the pupils dilated, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring showed that 17 (31%) had bradycardia, ranging from 10% to 59% of baseline, coincident with instillation of eyedrops, insertion of an eyelid speculum, pressure on the globe, or stretching of the medial and lateral recti muscles.

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Ophthalmoscopy*
  • Reflex*
  • Reflex, Oculocardiac*