The Effect of Corneal Thickness on Applanation Tonometry

Simultaneous manometry and Perkins tonometry were performed at 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 mm Hg on 15 eyes on which intraocular procedures were performed. There was a statistically significant relationship between corneal thickness and the error of Perkins tonometry. Thin corneas produced underestimations of the intraocular pressure by as much as 4.9 mm Hg, whereas thick corneas produced overestimations by as much as 6.8 mm Hg. Measuring the corneal thickness is necessary to interpret properly the results of Goldmann applanation tonometry, particularly in eyes with thin corneas.