An Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Goldmann Applanation Tonometer Calibration Error Checks among Ophthalmology Residents in Nigeria

Chigozie I Echieh; Chidiebere P Echieh; Eze Ugochukwu; Oyeniyi Taiwo; Monye Ifechukwu; Miriam-Benigna C Amobi; Shahir Bello

Authors

Chigozie I Echieh Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar
Chidiebere P Echieh Department of Surgery, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar
Eze Ugochukwu Department of Ophthalmology, National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
Oyeniyi Taiwo Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar
Monye Ifechukwu Department of Ophthalmology, University College Hospital, Ibadan
Miriam-Benigna C Amobi Department of Ophthalmology, Guinness Eye Centre, Onitsha
Shahir Bello Department of Ophthalmology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

Abstract

Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) is the gold standard for the measurement of intraocular-pressure (IOP).1 The importance of an accurate value of intraocular pressure in patients’ eye care cannot be overemphasized as patient’s management decisions are based on the intraocular pressure measurement taken by the Goldman applanation tonometer, thus, it is imperative that the accuracy of this instrument be assessed regularly in clinics. In many ophthalmic clinics in Nigeria, the GAT is commonly used for measuring patients IOP. In routine clinical practice, error of measurement could arise from a non calibrated tonometer and thus it becomes necessary to ensure routine calibration of the tonometer.2 The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of GAT calibration among ophthalmology residents in Nigeria.

Views | Downloads: 21 / 15

References

Susanna JR, DeMoraes CG, Ciofi GA, Ritch R. Why do people (still)go blind from glaucoma? Transl Vis Sci Technol2015:4(2):1-10.

Sukhpal Sandhu et al. The accuracy of continued clinical use of Goldmann applanation tonometers with known calibration errors. Ophthalmology 2009: 116(1)9-13

Leidl MC, Choi CJ, Syed ZA, Melki SA. Intraocular pressure fluctuation and glaucoma progression: what do we know? Br J Ophthalmol. 2014; 98(10): 1315-1319.

Kumar N, Jivan S. Goldmann applanation tonometer calibration error checks: current practice in the UK. Eye 2007; 21: 733-734.