Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the measurement of an induction/impact (rebound) tonometer to unanesthetized eye; including patient tolerance, measurement time and accuracy compared to Pulsair 3000. Methods: The measurement with an induction/impact tonometer (Kontiola A, Acta Ophthalmol Scandinav Acta Ophthalmol.Scand 78: 142-145, Kontiola et al, Danias et al, Goldblum et al ARVO 2000, 2001) does not need local anesthetic and the construction of the tonometer is simple. Pulsair 3000 is well known to measure IOP accurately without local anesthetic. 131 patients from two nursing homes in Helsinki, Finland, were measured with rebound tonometer (six times each eye) and Pulsair 3000 (four times each eye) without anesthetic. Patients were asked for possible pain or discomfort and also the measurement time was taken. Results: Both tonometers were well tolerated by most of the patients. Pain was not detected by 85% (Pulsair) and 95% (rebound tonometer) of the patients (p= ns.). Pulsair 3000 caused more discomfort (36% vs 15%, p=0.013). The rebound tonometer measurement was faster (138s vs 55s, p<0.001). High correlation was found between the readings of the tonometers (r=0.84, p<0.0001), Paired Samples T Test (Mean difference 0.33 mmHg, SD 2.3mmHg). Conclusion: Rebound tonometer measurement without anesthetic is well tolerated and the measurment takes little time. The IOP readings match well with Pulsair 3000.
Keywords: 359 clinical research methodology • 444 intraocular pressure