The Use of Goldmann Applanation Tonometer in Intraocular Pressure Measurement of Eyes Wearing Soft Contact Lenses

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to evaluate a modified technique of Goldmann applanation tonometry without the use of fluorescein and anesthesia in normal eyes with soft contact lenses (SCLs) and to compare this technique with the conventional method. Fifty eyes were measured using Goldmann applanation tonometer. A mean intraocular pressure(IOP)was 17.5 +/-2.33mmHg by the conventional technique and 15.2 +/-2.35 mmHg by the modified technique. We found the IOPvalues of the modified method were consistently underestimated IOP levels by approximately 2.3 mmHg than those of the conventional method (R=0.86, p<0.05). This bias appears to be affected by the fluorescent dye, not affect-ed by the presence of SCL. Our results suggest that the measurements by the modified technique can reflect the IOP measured by conventional method with correction factor of+2 .3 mmHg. The modified technique is a very convenient and simple screening method to measure IOP in patients wearing SCLs, without need for removal or staining of lenses.