A comparative analysis of intraocular pressure measurement results by the TVGD-02 tonometer (EASYTON) and the Goldman tonometer in ethnic Asians residing in Kazakhstan

Abstract

   Purpose.  To compare the results of IOP measurement by the TVGD-02 transpalpebral tonometer (EASYTON) and the Goldman to­ nometer in ethnic Asians of Kazakhstan in order to assess the influence of epicanthus on the results of transpalberal tonometry.   Material and methods.  A total of 150 patients (150 eyes) aged 39 to 65years were examined, including 120 patients (120 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and 30 patients (30 eyes) with high astigmatism and no POAG. All patients had their (IOP) measuredfirst with a Goldman tonometer, and then with a TVGD-02 transpalpebral tonometer (EASYTON). The correlation between the two methods was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient.   Results.  According to the EASYTON tonometer, the average IOP over the whole group was 20.20 ± 0.45 mm Hg, whilst the respective figure for the Goldman tonometer was 19.90 ± 0.43 mm Hg, the difference being statistically insignificant (p>0.05). In both groups and in varied IOP ranges the results of Easyton and Goldman tonometer data were comparable. No peculiarities in IOP mea­ surements taken from patients with epicanthus have been revealed.     Conclusion.  The absence of statistically significant differences between the data obtained by EASYTON and the Goldman tonometer in Asians implies that epicanthus does not affect the results of transpalpebral tonometry. The EASYTON tonometer may be considered an effective screening device in routine clinical practice. It is easy to use and can be recommended to ophthalmologists, general practitioners, nurses, optometrists, as well as glaucoma patients for IOP monitoring at home.