Cling film as a barrier against CJD in Goldmann-type applanation tonometry

To determine the feasibility of taking intra-ocular pressure (IOP) readings with Goldmann-type applanation tonometer probe covered with cling film to avoid transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Data were collected on two occasions from the right eyes of 30 healthy subjects using a Perkins applanation tonometer. On each occasion, a single tonometry measurement was made with and without cling film covering.

Cling film covering brought about a statistically significant IOP bias (-0.8 mmHg on first occasion and -1.17 mmHg on second occasion). The 95% limits of agreement, between readings made with and without cling film covering, were +/-3.4 mmHg on first occasion; +/-2.5 mmHg on second occasion. A statistically significant reduction of inter-sessional repeatability was observed for readings taken with cling film (+/-5.2 mmHg) compared to those made without (+/-3.9 mmHg).

Even if the above findings are found to be acceptable, given the known intra-subject variations of this type of tonometry (+/-4 mmHg), ethical and legal considerations relating to the barrier properties of cling film are likely to prevent its routine use by optometrists.