[IOP measurement through frequent-replacement soft contact lenses]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Biomedical Engineering

Context:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical metric in diagnosing and managing glaucoma.
• Air-puff tonometry is a common method for measuring IOP, often used with soft contact lenses.
• The accuracy of IOP measurement can be influenced by the type of ophthalmic lens worn.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained through soft contact lenses using an air-puff tonometer.
• To determine the conditions under which IOP measurements via contact lenses are clinically acceptable.
• To provide guidance on optimal IOP measurement techniques for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Summary:

• Air-puff tonometry through soft contact lenses shows accuracy for low-power negative lenses.
• Measurements are overestimated when using positive soft contact lenses.
• IOP measurement through soft contact lenses is acceptable for glaucoma screening but not for glaucomatous or ocular hypertensive patients, who require measurements without lenses.

Impact:

• Highlights the limitations of contact lens-assisted tonometry in specific patient populations.
• Reinforces the importance of Goldmann applanation tonometry as the primary method for accurate IOP assessment in clinical practice.
• Informs clinical decisions regarding IOP measurement protocols for glaucoma management and screening.