Comparison of the iCare rebound tonometer and the Goldmann applanation tonometer over a wide IOP range

Background The aim of this study was to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) results measured by the iCare rebound tonometer with those obtained by the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) over a wide range of IOP values. Furthermore, the comfort level of the iCare measurement was evaluated. Method The study included 75 eyes of 75 patients. The patients were divided into three groups (7-15 mmHg n=25, 16-22 mmHg n=25, 23-60 mmHg n=25). The measurements were taken by two independent observers in a masked fashion. All patients were asked about discomfort during the iCare measurement. To establish the agreement between the two devices, a Bland-Altman analysis was performed. Results Overall, the 95% confidence interval of the differences between the two devices was -8.67 to 10.25 mmHg and in 62.7%, the iCare measurement was within +/- 3 mmHg of the GAT measurements. The distribution of the differences in IOP was similar, from 7-22 mmHg. In the higher IOP range (23-60 mmHg), however, the deviation was almost twice as large. The measurement with the iCare tonometer was well tolerated; 100% of the patients denied any discomfort. Conclusions The iCare tonometer is a mobile alternative to GAT in a low to moderate IOP range, but our findings show a greater deviation than previously reported. In high IOP values, measurements with the iCare tonometer do not correlate well with GAT.