Comparison of Goldmann applanation and dynamic contour tonometry measurements: effects of corneal morphometry

ObjectivesTo compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements made by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT).MethodsIOPs were measured by GAT and DCT in 63 eyes of 63 healthy subjects. A comparison was made by intraclass correlation coefficient. Passing-Bablok plot was constructed to establish the existence of systematic and/or proportional biases. Multivariate regression analysis was used to examine whether the measurements of both instruments were affected by the power of the steepest and flattest corneal axes, their orientation, age or central corneal thickness (CCT).ResultsThe intra-class correlations (ICCs) were 0.57 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.29-0.74). Mean differences were 1.68 (DCT minus GAT) (95% CI: 0.92-2.44). Passing-Bablok analysis (X=DCT, Y=GAT) revealed a systematic bias (A=-14.35, 95% CI: -24.51--9.14]) and a proportional bias (B=1.74, 95% CI: 1.43-2.26). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the DCT was independent of the corneal characteristics analysed while GAT was biased by CCT (B=0.042, 95% CI: 0.002-0.082).ConclusionsWhile GAT was biased by corneal CCT; DCT readings were independent of corneal morphometry.