Comparison of intraocular pressure measured by non-contact air puff versus Goldmann applanation tonometers in gas-filled vitrectomized eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by two different instruments, air puff tonometer (APT) versus Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), in gas-filled vitrectomized eyes.


METHODS
Three-month, prospective, comparative trial.


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients (38 eyes), who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas injection, were enrolled in the study.


METHODS
The IOP was measured by an APT, followed by GAT within 10 minutes by two different, masked investigators.


METHODS
IOPs were measured by two methods and then were compared.


RESULTS
Overall, there was a high correlation between both measurements (r = 0.908, p < 0.05). Using the paired t-test, IOPs measured by the APT (21.69 +/- 9.28 mmHg) and GAT (22.84 +/- 9.84) were not significantly different (p > 0.05). By a subgroup analysis of 17 eyes with IOP measured by a GAT of 21 mmHg or less, the APT readings (15.28 +/- 4.81) and GAT readings (14.47 +/- 3.89) were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Of 21 eyes, with IOP measured by a GAT of 22 mmHg or more, the APT readings (26.88 +/- 8.81) were significantly lower than those obtained by the GAT (29.62 +/- 7.69) (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In gas-filled vitrectomized eyes, IOP measurements obtained by an APT correlated well with those obtained by GAT, especially when the IOP was within normal range. However, in eyes with elevated IOP, the APT significantly underestimated the IOP measurement when compared to the gold standard, GAT.
Patikulsila
Direk
D
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Taweemankongsab
Srisuda
S
Ngamtipakorn
Supob
S
D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*