Reliability of intraocular pressure measurements after myopic excimer photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by Goldmann applanation tonometry and pneumotonometry in eyes treated with excimer myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
A prospective case series.


METHODS
Forty consecutive eyes treated with PRK were evaluated.


METHODS
Central and peripheral corneal Goldmann tonometry and pneumotonometry measurements were done before surgery, at 1 week, and at 1 and 3 months after surgery.


RESULTS
The IOP by Goldmann tonometry from the central cornea was significantly lower than the peripheral IOP; however, there was no difference between IOP measured from central and peripheral corneas by pneumotonometry, which, in turn, correlated with peripheral Goldmann measurements. There was a trend, but not a statistically significant correlation, between the spherical equivalent of the treatment and the amount of decrease in central Goldmann IOP.


CONCLUSIONS
Pneumotonometry measures the IOP reliably after PRK from all parts of the cornea, whereas central Goldmann tonometry underestimates the IOP by 2.40+/-1.23 mmHg.
Abbasoglu
O E
OE
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235-9057, USA.
Bowman
R W
RW
Cavanagh
H D
HD
McCulley
J P
JP
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids