Comparison of a new non-contact tonometer with Goldmann applanation

Abstract

A comparison of a new non-contact tonometer (Keeler PulsairTM: Keeler UK Ltd) with the Goldmann applanation tonometer is reported. Measurements of intraocular pressure were obtained from 182 eyes of 94 patients. At low pressures (<10 mmHg) the candidate tonometer tended to overestimate pressures obtained with the Goldmann tonometer whilst at high pressures (>19 mmHg) those obtained by Goldmann applanation were underestimated. Between 10 and 19 mmHg there was no significant difference between readings obtained with either method. Up to 71% of averaged Pulsair measurements fell within ± 3 mmHg of those obtained with the Goldmann tonometer increasing to 78% if pressures ≥30 mmHg obtained with the Pulsair tonometer were excluded. Adopting a screening criterion of ≥21 mmHg (Goldmann) resulted in a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 95%. Some evidence that serial Pulsair readings are influenced by the ocular pulse is presented. It is concluded that the Pulsair tonometer can provide clinically useful measurements of intraocular pressure. © 1989, College of Ophthalmologists. All right reserved.