[Disparity between applanation and impression tonometry in corneal edema].

In acute glaucoma with corneal edema the applanationtonometer shows significantly lower values than the Schiötz instrument. In an experiment with rabbit corneae characteristic alterations in the edematous cornea were found, the physical interpretation of which, together with the tonometer specifications, were regarded as the cause of the disparity. The consequences go beyond pure academic interest if high intraocular pressure occurs concomitantly with insufficient retinal vascular function.