The Effect of Applanation Tonometry on Parameters of the Anterior Segment of the ‎Eye

Goldman tonometry is one of the preoperative techniques for cataract surgery that measures intraocular pressure by direct contact with the cornea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Goldman tonometer on the anterior chamber depth (ACD) and keratometric values using Pentacam HR.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 15 cataract patients with age range of 43 to 78 years in Al-Zahra Ophthalmology Hospital in Zahedan, Iran. Initially, ACD, asphericity, anterior and posterior flat keratometry, anterior and posterior steep keratometry, peripheral keratometry, and anterior and posterior astigmatism were measured using Pentacam HR. Then tonometry was performed using Goldman applanation tonometer. Pentacam measurements were also recorded one minute and ten minutes after tonometry. Data were analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA and P value less than 0.05 was considered as a significant level of the test.

Results showed no significant difference in all measurement parameters with Pentacam before, one minute and ten minutes after Goldman tonometer (p>0.05).

The findings of this study showed that Goldman tonometry has no significant effect on anterior chamber depth and corneal curvature in cataract patients. Therefore, Goldman tonometry can be performed in cataract patients in the same session of corneal parameter evaluation.