Home Print this page Email this page Small font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size
Users Online: 576

 

Home About us Editorial board Search Ahead of print Current issue Archives Submit article Instructions Subscribe Advertise Contacts Login 
     

  Table of Contents  
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2020  |  Volume : 61  |  Issue : 6  |  Page : 323-327  

Comparative assessment of the goldmann applanation and noncontact tonometers in intraocular pressure measurements in a sample of glaucoma patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana


1 Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Optometry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe
2 Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
3 Department of Optometry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Discipline of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Date of Submission22-May-2020
Date of Decision16-Sep-2020
Date of Acceptance11-Oct-2020
Date of Web Publication19-Dec-2020

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Samuel Kyei
Department of Optometry and Vision Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Cape Coast, Ghana

Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/nmj.NMJ_177_20

Rights and Permissions
   Abstract 

Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the usage of the Goldmann applanation tonometry and noncontact tonometry interchangeably in the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 441 clinically diagnosed glaucoma patients receiving care at a referral facility. IOP measurements were obtained using both the Noncontact tonometer and Goldmann applanation tonometer The repeatability of the measures was analyzed by comparing the repeated measures of the devices using paired t-test and calculating the correlation coefficient. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to determine the limits of agreement between the two procedures. Results: There were 271 (61.5%) males and 170 (38.5%) females and their age ranged from 18 to 73 years (mean age = 49.37; standard deviation ± 14.81 years). The findings of the study showed significantly lower readings (P < 0.001) of the GAT (right eye = 17.40 ± 7.48 mmHg; left eye = 16.80 ± 7.49 mmHg) compared to the NCT (right eye = 20.15 ± 8.30 mmHg; left eye = 19.74 ± 8.31 mmHg). There was a strong positive correlation between the GAT and NCT findings in the right eye (r = 0.871, n = 441, P < 0.001) and in the left eye (r = 0.887, n = 441, P < 0.001). There was a wide limit of agreement between NCT and GAT measurements. Conclusion: There was statistically significant higher measures obtained with NCT than the GAT but did not exceed the allowable inter-device difference. There was a strong positive correlation between GAT and NCT measurements. However, it is strongly recommended that these devices are not used interchangeably in the monitoring of IOP in glaucoma due to the wide range of limits of agreement.

Keywords: Ghana, glaucoma, Goldmann applanation tonometer, intraocular pressure, noncontact tonometer


How to cite this article:
Kyei S, Gboglu CP, Kwarteng MA, Assiamah F. Comparative assessment of the goldmann applanation and noncontact tonometers in intraocular pressure measurements in a sample of glaucoma patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Niger Med J 2020;61:323-7

How to cite this URL:
Kyei S, Gboglu CP, Kwarteng MA, Assiamah F. Comparative assessment of the goldmann applanation and noncontact tonometers in intraocular pressure measurements in a sample of glaucoma patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Niger Med J [serial online] 2020 [cited 2023 Dec 8];61:323-7. Available from: https://www.nigeriamedj.com/text.asp?2020/61/6/323/304011


   Introduction Top


Glaucoma has earned the notoriety of being the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide,[1],[2] and Ghana[3] is one of the most affected countries. Chronic elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma.[4] The only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma pathogenesis is IOP.[5]

Several tonometric methods exist and the clinician's preference is mostly based on availability and convenience.[6],[7] The Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) calculates IOP by measuring the force needed to flatten a constant corneal area.[6],[7] The GAT is the most commonly used and is considered the gold standard device for measuring IOP.[8] The GAT flattens a small area on the cornea; measurements are not affected by scleral stiffness.[6],[7] However, the thickness of the central cornea may affect GAT readings.[6],[7]

The noncontact tonometer (NCT) uses a small puff of air directed at the cornea; the returning air from the surface of the cornea is measured by a membrane that records the force, which is converted into IOP.[7] It is one of the most widely used device for IOP measurement across the globe.[9] Advantages of this method include the requirement of no topical anesthesia in children and adults who are unable to tolerate contact methods.[7] It has also been found to pose a lower risk of cross-infection.[10] Unlike the GAT which has to be used whiles mounted on a slit lamp, the NCT exists in table-top and portable forms.[9]

A number of researchers have compared the IOP readings between GAT and NCT. However, it has been acknowledged that the suitability of tonometric method is dependent on the setting, purpose, and patient population.[9] It is against this backdrop that this maiden study to compare IOP measures of GAT and NCT in a sample of glaucoma patients is necessary in Ghana.


   Materials and Methods Top


Study setting

This study was carried out at the premises of the Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Center, Cape Coast. The center is the most utilized Christian eye care facility in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana.

Study design

This was a clinic-based prospective study of patients with glaucoma visiting the center. The study involved the comparison between IOP readings of the Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT) and noncontact tonometer (NCT) from January 2019 to December 2019.

Sampling technique

The sampling method was nonprobability convenience sampling. The sampling method was based on the fact that the study involved all clients with glaucoma visiting the center during the study period.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The study included all patients diagnosed with glaucoma who were 18 years and older. The study excluded clients with preexisting ocular surface disease, corneal disease, eye surgery, ocular trauma, and inflammatory eye disease.

Ethical consideration

The study adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and approval was sought from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Cape Coast (UCCIRB/CHAS/2019/178). The informed consent of the participants was obtained. The tonometric procedures were explained to the participants especially the risk of minimal discomfort involving the contact of the Goldmann tonometer probe with the cornea. They were assured that the anesthesia will help in the relief of the discomfort. No financial remunerations were offered to the participants. Participation in the study was voluntary and participants were informed that they could withdraw their participation at any point and that in the event of refusal/withdrawal of participation, they will not incur penalty or loss of treatment or other benefits to which they would normally be entitled.

Data collection procedure

Data collection involved the use of a data extraction sheet to collect data on demographics and IOP measures.

The data extracted included:

  1. The examination of the anterior segment performed on each participant using a slit-lamp biomicroscope
  2. The examination of the posterior segment conducted using an ophthalmoscope and slit-lamp biomicroscope
  3. IOPs measured using the slit-lamp mounted Goldmann AT 900 (Haag Streit, Bern, Switzerland) and noncontact tonometer (NCT) using Topcon CT80 (Topcon Medical, NJ, USA)
  4. All measurements were taken by a single experienced practitioner.


Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Categorical data were presented as frequencies. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between GAT and NCT. Bland–Altman analysis was used to determine the level of agreement between GAT and NCT. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.


   Results Top


Demographic profile

Four hundred and forty-one participants were involved in the study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 73 years (mean age = 49.37; standard deviation ± 14.81 years). Of the 441 participants, 271 (61.5%) were males and 170 (38.5%) were females.

Mean intraocular pressure findings in GAT and NCT

The mean IOP findings of the GAT and NCT in the right and left eyes were evaluated [Table 1].
Table 1: Mean intraocular pressure findings in Goldmann applanation tonometer and noncontact tonometer

Click here to view


Correlation test between GAT and NCT readings

A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between the GAT and NCT findings in the right eye. There was a strong positive correlation coefficient between the GAT and NCT findings in the right eye (r = 0.871, n = 441, P < 0.001), as shown in [Table 2]. A scatterplot has been used to summarize the results [Figure 1]. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean GAT and NCT findings in the right eye. A mean difference of − 2.75 mmHg ± 4.09 mmHg was obtained between the mean GAT and NCT findings in the right eye with P < 0.001, as shown in [Table 3].
Table 2: Correlation test between Goldmann applanation tonometer and noncontact tonometer readings

Click here to view
Figure 1: A correlation between intraocular pressure readings with GAT and NCT by participants who in the right eye. The x-axis and y-axis are the intraocular pressure readings. The line represents the equivalence line

Click here to view
Table 3: Mean differences between Goldmann applanation tonometer and noncontact tonometer readings

Click here to view


A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between the GAT and NCT findings in the left eye. There was a strong positive correlation coefficient between the GAT and NCT findings in the left eye (r = 0.887, n = 441, P < 0.001), as shown in [Table 2]. A scatterplot has been used to summarize the results [Figure 2]. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean GAT and NCT findings in the left eye. A mean difference of − 2.95 mmHg ± 3.84 mmHg was obtained between the mean GAT and NCT findings in the left eye with P < 0.001, as shown in [Table 3].
Figure 2: A correlation between intraocular pressure readings with GAT and NCT by participants in the left eye. The x-axis and y-axis are the intraocular pressure readings. The line represents the equivalence line

Click here to view


The mean IOP measures in both the right and left eyes were found to be significantly higher with NCT than GAT; however, the proportionate analysis indicated that some 26% of the IOP readings with NCT deviated from this trend [Table 4].
Table 4: Distribution of intraocular pressure variations of noncontact tonometer to Goldmann applanation tonometer

Click here to view


The results of the Bland–Altman plot are as shown in [Figure 3] and [Figure 4] and suggest that the mean difference between the measurements in the right eye by the two techniques was 2.75 mmHg for NCT-GAT [Figure 3] and 2.95 mmHg for NCT-GAT [Figure 4] in the left eye. The 95% agreement range of IOP measured with GAT and NCT was from − 5.26–10.77 mmHg to − 4.58–10.46 mmHg in the right and left eyes, respectively.
Figure 3: Bland–Altman test for correspondence between intraocular pressure measurements (mmHg) taken with NCT and GAT in the right eye

Click here to view
Figure 4: Bland–Altman test for correspondence between intraocular pressure measurements (mmHg) taken with NCT and GAT in the left eye

Click here to view


Association between age, gender, and intraocular pressure

A Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between age, gender, and IOP measures of GAT and NCT. There was no significant association between age and IOP measures of GAT and NCT in the right and left eye, respectively (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant association between gender and IOP measures of GAT and NCT in the right and left eye, respectively (P > 0.05).


   Discussion Top


This study compared the IOP measures of NCT with GAT in a sample of glaucoma patients in Ghana. The participants involved in this study were mainly adults consistent with reports that the burden of glaucoma is high among adults.[11],[12] There were more males than females in this study as the male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1, which is consistent with the findings in most clinic-based studies[13],[14],[15] in sub-Saharan Africa among patients with glaucoma. Poor socioeconomic status of women in Africa which serves as an obstacle to access to quality eye care might have led to the gender disparity.

The GAT was considered as the gold standard tonometer for the comparison.[16],[17] A highly significant relationship was observed between the readings of the NCT and GAT [Table 2]. This is similar to reports from studies among nonglaucomatous as well as glaucomatous populations.[18],[19],[20],[21] It can be concluded that the results from NCT can provide a reliable IOP readings among the glaucomatous population.

However, the average IOP readings with NCT in this study were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than readings of the GAT with a mean difference of 2.77 ± 4.12 mmHg and 2.97 ± 3.87 mmHg in the right and left eyes, respectively. The slightly exaggerated outcome of the NCT over the GAT will often show borderline IOP as elevated IOP.

Several studies comparing GAT and NCT measures of IOP have concluded that GAT has lower readings compared to that of NCT.[18],[19],[20],[21],[22] In recent studies, repeatability tests conducted have reported that a maximum change of 3.00 mmHg in tonometer readings is clinically acceptable.[23],[24] In Africa, Babalola et al.[25] reported that the mean NCT reading (17.36 mmHg) was similar to the mean GAT reading (17.42 mmHg). Forty-five percent (45%) of the differences in IOP readings between GAT and NCT were within 1 mmHg, while up to 79% were within 3 mmHg.[25] Furthermore, Ogbuehi[26] reported that there was no statistically significant difference between IOP measured with GAT and NCT.

This implies that the NCT is considered a good device to be used in clinical practice as well as screening to measure of both glaucoma severity and IOP change that affects the visual function. However, practitioners should be consistent with the type of tonometer and not interchange, as the differences in the IOP measures could lead to poor monitoring of IOPs.

To further substantiate this assertion, a Bland and Altman[27] test was performed to determine the limits of agreement. From [Figure 3] and [Figure 4], it can be concluded that there was no consistent measurement bias of NCT against the GAT. In this study, the proportion of measurement where NCT readings were higher than GAT was 77.4% against 14.2% where GAT measurements were higher than NCT. A small proportion of the readings 8.4% had no mean difference between NCT and GAT measurements. A wide range of limits of agreement was observed [Figure 3] and [Figure 4] and this is similar to a study by Toprak and Kilic[28] who reported of a wide range of limits of agreement. This wide range may limit the use of NCT and GAT interchangeably in the measurement of IOP. Hence, documentation of the type of tonometer used is highly recommended in clinical practice.

There was no significant association between age, gender, and IOP measures with GAT and NCT (P > 0.05), indicating that GAT and NCT provide the same measures across gender and age. This is consistent with a study by Kouchaki et al.,[6] which reported of similar findings.


   Conclusion Top


In summary, this study found that NCT readings were significantly different and higher than IOP readings of the GAT; but within the clinically acceptable inter device measure for IOP. The GAT and NCT measurements correlated positively and strongly. However, it is strongly recommended that these devices are not used interchangeably in the monitoring of IOP in glaucoma due to the wide range of limits of agreement and the observed deviation in trend.

Acknowledgment

We thank the management of Bishop Ackon Memorial Christian Eye Centre, Cape Coast, Ghana, for giving us access and consent to take the data from their facility.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

 
   References Top

1.
Thylefors B, Négrel AD. The global impact of glaucoma. Bull World Health Organ 1994;72:323-6.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Quigley HA. Number of people with glaucoma worldwide. Br J Ophthalmol 1996;80:389-93.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Ntim-Amponsah CT, Amoaku WM, Ofosu-Amaah S, Ewusi RK, Idirisuriya-Khair R, Nyatepe-Coo E, et al. Prevalence of glaucoma in an African population. Eye (Lond) 2004;18:491-7.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Vranka JA, Kelley MJ, Acott TS, Keller KE. Extracellular matrix in the trabecular meshwork: Intraocular pressure regulation and dysregulation in glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 2015;133:112-25.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Realini T, Weinreb RN, Hobbs G. Correlation of intraocular pressure measured with Goldmann and dynamic contour tonometry in normal and glaucomatous eyes. J Glaucoma 2009;18:119-23.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Kouchaki B, Hashemi H, Yekta A, Khabazkhoob M. Comparison of current tonometry techniques in measurement of intraocular pressure. J Curr Ophthalmol 2017;29:92-7.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
ElMallah MK, Asrani SG. New ways to measure intraocular pressure. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2008;19:122-6.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Stamper RL. A history of intraocular pressure and its measurement. Optom Vis Sci 2011;88:E16-28.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Aziz K, Friedman DS. Tonometers-which one should I use? Eye (Lond) 2018;32:931-7.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Atkins N, Hodge W, Li B. A systematic review regarding tonometry and the transmission of infectious diseases. J Clin Med Res 2018;10:159-65.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Gyasi ME, Francis AW, Chen Y, Harrison RS, Kodjo AR. Presentation of glaucoma in the greater Accra metropolitan area of Ghana. Ghana Med J 2014;48:143-7.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Omoti AE, Osahon AI, Waziri-Erameh MJ. Pattern of presentation of primary open-angle glaucoma in Benin City, Nigeria. Trop Doct 2006;36:97-100.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
Gyasi M, Amoako W, Adjuik M. Presentation patterns of primary open angle glaucomas in north eastern ghana. Ghana Med J 2010;44:25-30.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.
Eballé AO, Mvogo CE, Koki G, Mounè N, Teutu C, Ellong A, et al. Prevalence and causes of blindness at a tertiary hospital in Douala, Cameroon. Clin Ophthalmol 2011;5:1325-31.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.
Usifoh SF, Udezi WA, Omage JO. Prevalence of glaucoma in a Nigerian hospital. J Pharm Biores 2014;11:22-8.  Back to cited text no. 15
    
16.
Evans K, Wishart PK. Intraocular pressure measurement in children using the Keeler Pulsair tonometer. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 1992;12:287-90.  Back to cited text no. 16
    
17.
dos Santos MG, Makk S, Berghold A, Eckhardt M, Haas A. Intraocular pressure difference in Goldmann applanation tonometry versus Perkins hand-held applanation tonometry in overweight patients. Ophthalmology 1998;105:2260-3.  Back to cited text no. 17
    
18.
Firat PG, Cankaya C, Doganay S, Cavdar M, Duman S, Ozsoy E, et al. The influence of soft contact lenses on the intraocular pressure measurement. Eye (Lond) 2012;26:278-82.  Back to cited text no. 18
    
19.
Lagerlöf O. Airpuff tonometry versus applanation tonometry. Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh) 1990;68:221-4.  Back to cited text no. 19
    
20.
Martinez-de-la-Casa JM, Jimenez-Santos M, Saenz-Frances F, Matilla-Rodero M, Mendez-Hernandez C, Herrero-Vanrell R, et al. Performance of the rebound, noncontact and Goldmann applanation tonometers in routine clinical practice. Acta Ophthalmol 2011;89:676-80.  Back to cited text no. 20
    
21.
Tonnu PA, Ho T, Sharma K, White E, Bunce C, Garway-Heath D. A comparison of four methods of tonometry: Method agreement and interobserver variability. Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:847-50.  Back to cited text no. 21
    
22.
Bukhari AS, Mirani AH, Shar MA, Siddiqui SJ, Shah LA. Comparison of measurement of intraocular pressure between Goldmann applanation tonometer and non-contact air puff tonometer. Pak J Ophthalmol 2018;34:42-6.  Back to cited text no. 22
    
23.
García-Resúa C, Giráldez Fernández MJ, Yebra-Pimentel E, García-Montero S. Clinical evaluation of the Canon TX-10 noncontact tonometer in healthy eyes. Eur J Ophthalmol 2010;20:523-30.  Back to cited text no. 23
    
24.
Bang SP, Lee CE, Kim YC. Comparison of intraocular pressure as measured by three different non-contact tonometers and Goldmann applanation tonometer for non-glaucomatous subjects. BMC Ophthalmol 2017;17:199.  Back to cited text no. 24
    
25.
Babalola OE, Kehinde AV, Iloegbunam AC, Akinbinu T, Moghalu C, Onuoha I. A comparison of the Goldmann applanation and non-contact (Keeler Pulsair EasyEye) tonometers and the effect of central corneal thickness in indigenous African eyes. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2009;29:182-8.  Back to cited text no. 25
    
26.
Ogbuehi KC. Assessment of the accuracy and reliability of the Topcon CT80 non-contact tonometer. Clin Exp Optom 2006;89:310-4.  Back to cited text no. 26
    
27.
Bland JM, Altman DG. Measuring agreement in method comparison studies. Stat Methods Med Res 1999;8:135-60.  Back to cited text no. 27
    
28.
Toprak I, Kilic D. Effects of puff times on intraocular pressure agreement between non-contact and Goldmann applanation tonometers. Guoji Yanke Zazhi (Int Eye Sci) 2014;14:1186-9.  Back to cited text no. 28
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4]



 

Top
  
 
  Search
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Access Statistics
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  

 
  In this article
    Abstract
   Introduction
    Materials and Me...
   Results
   Discussion
   Conclusion
    References
    Article Figures
    Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed4376    
    Printed308    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded15    
    Comments [Add]    

Recommend this journal