The White Coat Effect Influences Intraocular Pressure Measurements in Dogs: Comparing Tonometry Values Obtained in the Clinic Versus Home.

Clinic IOP measurements are significantly elevated compared to home readings; consider stress effects when interpreting results.

This prospective crossover study evaluated the white coat effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in 40 normotensive client-owned dogs. Using a TonoVet rebound tonometer, researchers measured IOP in both clinic and home environments. Clinic IOPs averaged 15.7 mmHg, significantly higher than home measurements at initial entry (14.2 mmHg) and after 10-minute acclimation (12.9 mmHg). The difference between clinic and home measurements reached up to 10 mmHg in individual eyes. Additionally, IOP decreased significantly within the first 10 minutes at home, suggesting rapid physiological responses to environmental stress. Statistical analysis used paired t-tests with Holm-Šídák correction (p < 0.05). Testing sequence did not significantly affect results. These findings demonstrate that the clinic environment induces measurable stress-related elevation in canine IOP. Veterinarians should recognize this white coat effect when interpreting tonometry values, particularly for anxious patients, to avoid misdiagnosis of glaucoma or inappropriate treatment decisions based on artificially elevated pressure readings obtained in clinical settings.

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