ABSTRACT
AIMS: Pressure phosphene tonometry is said to assess intraocular pressure by inducing a pressure phosphene. This study compared the results of this relatively new technique with Goldmann applanation tonometry. METHODS: A total of 100 patients (196 readings) in a general ophthalmology clinic at Dunedin Hospital who consented to take part in this study were randomised to receive by different examiners either pressure phosphene tonometry by a Proview eye pressure monitor (Bausch & Lomb Inc., Tampa, FL, USA) or Goldmann tonometry first. There was no communication between the examiners regarding results. RESULTS: Of the 196 attempted readings, pressure phosphene tonometer readings were only able to be obtained for 136 eyes (69%) compared to all 196 (100%) eyes with the Goldmann tonometer. The mean IOPs were 18.5 mmHg using the pressure phosphene tonometer and 16.0 mmHg using the Goldmann tonometer. The mean difference was +2.43 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 10.37 mmHg below to 15.22 mmHg above Goldmann readings). CONCLUSION: This study found that 31% of patients could not perceive a pressure phosphene using the Proview eye pressure monitor. Data obtained from those who could perceive the phosphene indicated that large discrepancies between pressure phosphene tonometry and Goldmann tonometry were common.
Subject(s)
Phosphenes , Tonometry, Ocular/methods , Visual Perception , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Glaucoma/diagnosis , Humans , Intraocular Pressure , Middle Aged , Pressure , Reproducibility of ResultsABSTRACT
To identify features of posterior polymorphous dystrophy (PPMD) by in vivo confocal microscopy, the corneas of a female patient with PPMD were exam ned using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and slit-scanning in vivo confocal microscopy. Characteristic endothelial vesicular and band lesions were seen clinically and easily identified using in vivo confocal microscopy. However endothelial pleomorphism, an increased density and reflectance of posterior stromal keratocytes, and prominence of corneal nerves were also delineated. In vivo confocal microscopy enhances clinicopathological diagnosis and follow up of corneal dystrophies with subtle clinical presentations, such as PPMD.