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PURPOSE: To compare 24-hour diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement obtained using the Ocuton-S applanation self tonometer and the Goldmann tonometer. METHODS: Twenty-four-hour diurnal IOP curves were obtained from 14 eyes of seven trained patients suffering from medically controlled primary open-angle glaucoma. IOP was measured every third hour starting at 9 a.m. with a calibrated Goldmann tonometer; one week later, a similar set of measurements was obtained with Ocuton-S tonometry by the patients. One week later still, ultrasound corneal pachymetry was performed at the same hours. RESULTS: Overall IOP (24-hour mean) did not differ significantly between the different measuring techniques (ANOVA, p = 0.74), but the IOP differed in a statistically significant manner around the clock (ANOVA, p = 0.00006). The mean Goldmann tonometry readings were up to 2.8 mmHg lower than the Ocuton-S values during the daytime (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.), however, during the night (12 midnight to 6 a.m.), mean IOP measured with Goldmann tonometry was 2.2-3.3 mmHg higher than the corresponding average of the self tonometry readings. There was a statistically significant interaction between the type of tonometry and the time of the measurement (p = 0.0007). Central corneal thickness (CCT) showed a significant change during the 24-hour period (p = 0.000001). CONCLUSIONS: IOP shows a different diurnal curve when measured with the Goldmann tonometer and with the Ocuton-S applanation self tonometer. The instruments' readings might be influenced in different ways by the diurnal changes of corneal thickness. Since Ocuton-S self tonometry underestimates the IOP in the early morning period, a careful evaluation is necessary when nocturnal and early morning IOP elevation is investigated with this technique.
Dr P. Kóthy, 1st Department of Ophthalmology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
6.1 Intraocular pressure measurement; factors affecting IOP (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)