Assessment of intraocular pressure by palpation

Corneal specialists may assess the intraocular pressure by palpation although this technique has never been validated. We explored the reliability of a tactile assessment of the intraocular pressure in comparison to Goldmann tonometry.

There was little correlation between tactile assessment of the intraocular pressure and tonometry. However, palpation was moderately successful in identifying most eyes (five of seven eyes) with an intraocular pressure greater than 30 mm Hg. Although palpation was generally inaccurate, it may serve as a warning for marked increases in intraocular pressure exceeding 30 mm Hg.