Evaluation of the Tono-Pen and the Pulsair tonometers

A clinical evaluation of two new portable tonometers, the Oculab Tono-Pen and the Keeler Pulsair, was performed to determine their accuracy and efficacy. Measurements were obtained in 229 eyes of 130 normal patients and compared to measurements obtained with the Goldmann applanation tonometer. The average absolute deviation for the Tono-Pen and the Pulsair was a significant 2.70 mm Hg and 2.49 mm Hg, respectively. Thirteen of 188 (7%) Tono-Pen readings and 19 of 229 (8%) Pulsair readings differed from the Goldmann readings by more than 5 mm Hg. Both instruments were highly sensitive and specific for detecting intraocular pressures greater than 21 mm Hg.