Objective: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) values acquired from the non-contact tonometers and a Goldmann applanation tonometer in glaucoma patients.

Materials and Methods: The present study included 300 eyes from 150 participants that attended the glaucoma outpatient clinic. The IOP was measured using both non-contact tonometry (NCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). The differences in IOP readings between the two techniques were evaluated.

Results: The mean IOP as measured by NCT was 16.26±6.95 mmHg, when that of measured by GAT was 16.11±8.43 mmHg. The mean difference between the two techniques of measurement was 0.147±3.01 mmHg. The values acquired from NCT were slightly higher than those acquired by GAT in 49% of patients, and this difference was more distinct when the IOP as measured by GAT more than 21 mmHg.

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant correlation in the measurement of IOP between non-contact and GAT tonometers. NCT is a proper method for mass screenings of IOP even if the IOP measurement by NCT is slightly higher than by GAT.

Keywords: Tonometry, Comparison, Glaucoma, Non-contact tonometry, Goldmann applanation tonometer

DOI: doi.org/10.35755/jmedassocthai.2020.08.10279

Received 18 Jun 2019 | Revised 16 Sep 2019 | Accepted 18 Sep 2019