Accuracy of a novel method for IOP measurement without applying pressure on the cornea

To assess the accuracy of a prototype novel instrument for intra ocular pressure (IOP) measurements not involving corneal pressure application.

Prospective case control study.

An institutional study including 16 healthy volunteers without ocular pathology. IOP in both eyes of the participants was measured four times in different body positions with the novel prototype and reference instrument (Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) or iCare (iCare Finland OY, Vantaa, Finland)). IOP results were compared between the prototype and the reference instruments in 116 pairs of measurement.

Overall no statistically significant difference was found between the presented prototype and the reference instrument. Stratifying measurements by instrument used revealed no significant difference for GAT and statistical significant (yet clinically insignificant) difference for iCare.

The presented prototype demonstrates good clinical agreement of IOP measuring results with reference instruments Further large-scale studies assessing this instrument in glaucoma patients are warranted.