Structural alteration of tonometer tips after repeated swabbing with disinfectants.

Our study was developed to measure the effect of swabbing on the integrity of Haag-Streit tonometer tips over time. The following solutions were used: hydrogen peroxide, dilute bleach, alcohol, phenol-phenate, and distilled water (as a control). The results show that swabbing causes surface scratching of tonometer tips after 1 year. The results also show that alcohol swabbing will lead to breakdown of the glue and warrant replacement of the tonometer tip after 2 years use.