Assessment of true intraocular pressure: the gap between theory and practical data

A precise assessment of the intraocular pressure (IOP) is crucial for diagnosis and decision making regarding treatment modalities in patients with glaucoma. Recent epidemiologic studies show that a difference of only 1 mm Hg in the mean IOP may be critical enough to determine the visual field prognosis in patients with glaucoma. However, the Goldmann applanation tonometer, which is current gold standard, is not precise enough to measure the true IOP within an error of 1 mm Hg. There are many clinically proposed correction algorithms to correctly measure IOP. However, corrections using only the central corneal thickness and curvature may not be sufficient in each individual case. In this article, previously reported theoretical equations about the effects of corneal topography, modulus of elasticity, and tear film on Goldmann applanation tonometric IOP readings were reviewed, and their discrepancies with clinical or experimental data were analyzed. Thereafter, new tonometers such as the dynamic contour tonometer, the rebound tonometer, and the ocular response analyzer were compared with the Goldmann applanation tonometer and other popular tonometers.