Comparison of Applanation Tonometry With and Without Fluorescein



Bamdad S¹ ; Roozbahani M² ; Rouzbahani R³ ; Nazarian S⁴ ; Ghaffarian H⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2011

Abstract

Background: Tonometry is one of the important parts of ocular examination. It has been estimated that more than 900000 people in the United State have visual problems due to glaucoma; however most of them are not aware of their disease. Goldmann applanation tonometry is the most common, accurate, and the gold standard method for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Having considered the complications of using fluorescein, such as burning sensation, allergic reaction, pruritus, and infection, as well as its high costs and less availability, we compared Goldmann applanation tonometry with and without flourescein usage. Methods: In this study, we evaluated 250 patients (500 eyes) referred to Mofateh clinic, Yasuj, Iran in May 2008. Patients with glaucoma, sunken eyes, and narrow palperbral fissure as well as those younger than 15 years old and non-cooperative patients were excluded from this study. Tonometry of one eye for each patient was done randomly with flourescein and the other without it. Finding: 105 women (42%) and 142 men (58%) with mean age of 32 ± 13 years were enrolled in this study. The mean IOP with and without flourescein were 12.90 ± 2.07 and 12.60 ± 2.09 mmHg, respectively. The mean IOP of right eyes was 13.08 ± 1.73 mmHg with flourescein and 12.68 ± 2.11 mmHg without flourescein. The mean IOP in left eyes was 13.12 ± 2.04 mmHg with flourescein and 12.12 ± 2.33 mmHg without flourescein. Conclusion: There are not any statistically significant differences between IOP measurement with and without flourescein. Further investigations are recommended in this regard.