Clinical Applications of Goldmann Applanation Tonometer

ABSTRACT

The basic principles of the applanation tonometer and Schiotz tonometer were briefly discribed. The major improvement in the applanation tonometry is in the fact that the scleral rigidity plays no important role in the determination of the intra-ocular pressure. We have measured the intra-ocular pressure with both types of tonometer, the applanation tonometry being the first, followed by Schiotz reading with 5.5 g weight. In normal eyes, both readings gave almost identical results. In glaucomatous eyes, recently operated cataract eyes and eyes with retinal detachment successfully operated showed wide discrepancies between the values of two methods. The pressure readings with Schiotz tonometer were moderately lower than that with applanation tonometer, and this might cause erroneous conclusion regarding the real status of the intra-ocular pressure in such eyes. Advantages and disadvantages of the applanation tonometery were discussed.