Comparison of dynamic contour tonometry with Goldmann applanation tonometry following Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

BACKGROUND

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) are influenced by central corneal thickness (CCT) whereas dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) allows for IOP measurements independent of CCT. After Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) the CCT is, compared to healthy eyes, increased. The objective of this prospective study was to compare IOP measurements obtained by DCT and GAT in patients after a DSAEK procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DCT and GAT were performed 3 and/or 6 months after DSAEK. Comparison of means was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test.

RESULTS

In total, 50 IOP measurements on 33 eyes were obtained. Mean CCT was 621 (+/- 60) microm. Overall correlation between GAT and DCT was good, however, in some patients a remarkable difference between pressure readings of up to 10.8 mmHg was observed. Mean IOP readings obtained by DCT were significantly higher (20.9 +/- 5.9 mmHg) than those obtained by GAT (19.1 +/- 6.5 mmHg; p = 0.0002). However, the difference between GAT and DCT readings was not influenced by the thickness of the transplanted lamella.

DISCUSSION

The well-known difference in mean pressure readings between DCT and GAT was not affected by the increase in CCT following DSAEK. IOP readings with the GAT seem not to be influenced by the increase in CCT. Because of the remarkable differences in individual pairs of IOP measurements, both GAT and DCT should be used after DSAEK.