A Comparative Study Between the Goldmann Applanation Tonometer and the Non-Contact Air-Puff Tonometer (Huvitz HNT...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Devices
• Diagnostic Technology

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is crucial for diagnosing and managing glaucoma.
• The Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) is the gold standard for IOP measurement.
• Non-contact air-puff tonometers (NCT) offer a potentially faster and more convenient alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the non-contact air-puff tonometer (NCT) as a viable alternative to the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) for intraocular pressure (IOP) assessment.
• To compare the accuracy and reliability of IOP measurements obtained from NCT and GAT across different pressure ranges and age groups.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional, and comparative study was conducted.
• Intraocular pressure was measured in 180 eyes from 90 patients using both GAT and NCT.
• Data were analyzed quantitatively, comparing measurements between the two devices and across defined IOP and age groups.

Main Results:

• Overall mean IOP measurements differed significantly between NCT (14.12 mmHg) and GAT (12.98 mmHg) (p=0.0018).
• NCT measurements were comparable to GAT in the lower IOP range (10-15 mmHg, p=0.3100) but significantly overestimated IOP in higher ranges (16-19 mmHg and ≥20 mmHg).
• Significant differences were also observed in older age groups (40-59 and ≥60 years), with NCT consistently yielding higher readings.

Conclusions:

• The non-contact air-puff tonometer (NCT) demonstrates potential for IOP measurement but shows overestimation in moderate to high intraocular pressure ranges compared to the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT).
• While NCT may be suitable for screening in lower IOP ranges, GAT remains essential for accurate assessment, particularly when elevated IOP is suspected or confirmed.