Influence of IOP measurement through the wrong eyepiece of the slit lamp on Goldmann applanation tonometry.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined whether intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements through the wrong eyepiece of the slit lamp may be a source of error. METHODS: Seven skilled observers measured the IOP from seven healthy subjects. The observers used a Haag-Streit Goldmann applanation tonometer with two types of slit lamps (Haag-Streit and Rodenstock). In the Haag-Streit slit lamp the prism of the tonometer is aligned with the right part of the slit lamp optics. Conversely, in the Rodenstock slit lamp, the prism is aligned with the left. Each observer measured the IOP of each subject through the right eyepiece, through the left eyepiece, and under binocular vision. RESULTS: The IOP measured with the left eyepiece of the Haag-Streit slit lamp was significantly higher than that measured with the right eyepiece and binocular vision. The IOP measured with the right eyepiece of the Rodenstock slit lamp was significantly higher than that measured with the left eyepiece and binocular vision. CONCLUSIONS: IOP measurement through the wrong eyepiece of the slit lamp may be a source of error.