Limbal rebound tonometry: clinical comparisons and applications.

PURPOSE

The accuracy of contact tonometry may be compromised in cases with disorders affecting central corneal bio-mechanical properties. This study examined the reliability of rebound tonometry (RT) on the area of corneo-scleral limbus, instead of the conventional central corneal area, and the correlation of findings with ocular biometric parameters.

METHODS

This is a prospective cross-sectional study performed at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Heraklion, in Crete, Greece. Consecutive cataract surgery candidates without concomitant ocular pathology, apart from cataract, were included. RT was performed on the central cornea (central RT, CRT) as well as on the limbus and scleral spur area (limbal RT, LRT). Findings were correlated with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) as well as axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal curvature (CC) measurements.

RESULTS

LRT readings were significantly correlated with central CRT as well as with GAT readings, whereas respective correlations with other parameters examined were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

LRT may be used as an alternative tool in clinical practice to determine intraocular pressure when conventional devices and techniques might be inadequate or unreliable.