Schiotz tonometry for glaucoma: are there simple alternatives?

In the period from October 1991 until August 1992, 864 eye-patients in a rural area in south-east Nigeria were examined in order to find simple parameters for the screening of glaucoma simplex. Schiotz tonometry was used as the gold standard. Investigation of the pupil-reaction with a torch, estimation of the pressure of the (closed) eye by digital palpation, and estimations of the cup/disc ratio by ophthalmoscopy can be used as an alternative.