Intra-Ocular Pressure Measurement in a Patient with a Thin, Thick or Abnormal Cornea

Abstract

Accurate measurement of intra-ocular pressure is a fundamental component of the ocular examination. The most common method of measuring IOP is by Goldmann applanation tonometry, the accuracy of which is influenced by the thickness and biomechanical properties of the cornea. Algorithms devised to correct for corneal thickness to estimate IOP oversimplify the effects of corneal biomechanics. The viscous and elastic properties of the cornea influence IOP measurements in unpredictable ways, a finding borne out in studies of patients with inherently abnormal and surgically altered corneal biomechanics. Dynamic contour tonometry, rebound tonometry and the ocular response analyzer provide useful alternatives to GAT in patients with abnormal corneas, such as those who have undergone laser vision correction or keratoplasty. This article reviews the various methods of intra-ocular pressure measurement available to the clinician and the ways in which their utility is influenced by variations in corneal thickness and biomechanics.

INTRODUCTION

Intra-ocular pressure (IOP), the internal pressure of the eye, is determined by the dynamic interaction between rates of aqueous production (F) and drainage (C) as well as episcleral venous pressure (PV) as expressed in the following equation:

IOP = F/C + PV

The definition of “normal” IOP is based on: (i) the normative distribution of IOP values in population studies, and (ii) the observation that both high and low IOP results in structural/functional damage to the eye. Mean IOP for different populations ranges from 13 to 17 mmHg [1, 2]. Two standard deviations from the mean, used to define the upper and lower limits within healthy populations, gives an IOP "normal" range of approximately 10-21 mmHg. An IOP above this level is a risk factor for glaucoma onset and progression and is associated with retinal vascular occlusion [3]. Very high IOP, particularly if reached rapidly, can cause symptoms including blurred vision, eye ache, headache, nausea, vomiting, red eye and photophobia. Low IOP, often below 6 mmHg, may lead to choroidal effusion, optic nerve swelling, maculopathy and cataract.

Given the potential harm of high or low IOP and that many ocular and systemic conditions (or treatments thereof) alter IOP, IOP measurement is a critical part of the ocular examination. Even though placement of a strain gauge (manometer) within the eye most accurately measures IOP, the risks and time involved make this unacceptable as a clinical routine. Instead clinical IOP assessment is based on an estimate using indirect measurement methods whereby the tension at the surface of the eye is recorded and used to extrapolate internal pressure. Such measurements are subjected to the properties of the cornea, including its thickness and biomechanics, both of which may vary between eyes and in different corneal conditions. Sometimes it may be impossible to measure IOP at the corneal surface. Understanding and accounting for these challenges is necessary to estimate IOP accurately without the need for an invasive pressure gauge.

CORNEAL BIOMECHANICS AND IOP

Possessing a range of biomechanical properties, some of which influence IOP measurements [4], the cornea is composed of hundreds of branching and interlacing collagen lamellae suspended in a proteoglycan matrix with high water content. Interaction of these components imbues the cornea with its rigidity, elasticity and viscoelastic properties. Attempts to quantify these in vivo and derive useful clinical applications have identified corneal hysteresis (CH), an index of the cornea’s ability to absorb energy and resist deformation, which influences its capacity to dampen fluctuations in IOP. Surgical procedures or disease states may alter the cornea’s intrinsic biomechanical character-istics, including those encompassed by the measurement of CH. Such alterations may influence the accuracy of conventional methods of IOP measurement.

METHODS OF IOP MEASUREMENT

Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

First described in the 1950s [5], Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) significantly improved previous methods to measure IOP. It soon became the method of choice and remains the gold standard. The GAT estimates IOP by measuring the force required to flatten the central cornea over an area with a diameter of 3.06 mm. Effects of tear film surface tension and corneal thickness are neutralized (when IOP is 20mmHg and central corneal thickness is 0.52 mm) [6] resulting in anterior corneal surface force (the tonometer) equaling posterior corneal surface force (IOP). Accuracy is compromised because this principle makes assumptions, several of which are invalid. The eye is filled with a non-compressible liquid (vitreous), and therefore one would expect applanation to induce a rise in IOP. However, this may be offset by outflow facility whereby applanation may result in increased aqueous outflow and therefore reduced IOP. Anterior and posterior corneal curvatures are not equal and corneal thickness and rigidity may vary widely. Furthermore, GAT is performed manually, which means it is subjected to further sources of error including observer bias. That GAT remains the gold standard for IOP measurement has less to do with accuracy than it does with history, cost, access and ease of use.

Mackay-Marg Tonometry

Developed at around the same time as GAT, Mackay-Marg tonometry measures the force required to depress a central plunger against the cornea relative to a surrounding flat plate. It is the basis for a number of modern tonometers including the pneumotonometer and the Tono-Pen (Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments) [7]. While its advantages include its portability and lack of influence by the tear film (which is neutralized by the surrounding plate), it works on a principle similar to that for GAT and is subject to many of the same sources of error [8].

Rebound Tonometry

Commercially available as the iCare tonometer, this device has a 50 mm stainless steel probe with rounded tip that is horizontally projected by a coaxial two magnet system [9]. On hitting the cornea from a distance of 4-8 mm, the recoiling probe induces a voltage in the solenoid, which is converted to a digital signal. While not affected by the tear film, results from rebound tonometry remain influenced by corneal biomechanics and user error. It has the distinct advantage of being compact, portable, relatively inexpensive and is well tolerated without anesthetic. It is well suited for rapid IOP assessment and for IOP assessment in those intolerant of contact tonometry including children.

Dynamic Contour Tonometry

Dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) is not influenced by the tear film or the force required to deform the cornea [10]. Automation removes observer bias. A type of Maklakov tonometer, which estimates the area of corneal depression resulting from a constant force, DCT is commercially available as the Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer (Zeimer Ophthalmic Instruments AG, Switzerland). It consists of a central pressure transducer surrounded by a large diameter curved footplate contour-matched to the surface of the cornea. The footplate serves to stabilize the surrounding cornea while the device measures the average central corneal response to 1Gm of applied force. Theoretically DCT is more accurate than GAT. However, its usefulness is limited by its cost and lack of portability; it is not suitable for individuals with nystagmus, significant corneal pathology or for those unable to be examined on a slit lamp.

Ocular Response Analyzer

The Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) indents the cornea by means of a rapid, collimated pulse of air [11]. The precise timing of corneal flattening during the resultant inward and outward movement is determined by means of an infrared electro-optical system. The pressures (P1 and P2) at each of these events is recorded and used to calculate several parameters. Corneal hysteresis is the difference between the two flattening pressures (P1-P2), and is a reflection of the viscoelastic properties of the cornea (Fig. 1). Corneal resistance factor (CRF) is determined as a linear function of P1 and P2 using a proprietary algorithm, and is thought to reflect the elastic properties of the cornea. A Goldmann-correlated IOP measurement (IOPg) is determined by calculating the mean of the two pressures P1 and P2, and a cornea-compensated IOP measurement (IOPcc) can also be derived. In addition to these specific measurements, the morphology of the waveform produced by the ORA may also be a useful tool in characterizing alterations in corneal biomechanics in certain conditions or following surgery.

Fig. (1).

Representative histogram showing a typical ocular response analyzer (ORA) reading. The applanation signal is a function of air jet pressure during the bi-direction applanation process. Corneal hysteresis is defined as the difference between the pressure required to induced inward corneal applanation (P1) and the pressure at which the cornea bends back outward (P2).

MEASUREMENT OF IOP IN THIN AND THICK CORNEAS

Defining a Thin or Thick Cornea

Whether a cornea is considered thin or thick depends on the definition of “normal” or “average” central corneal thickness (CCT). Studies measuring CCT from different populations without corneal pathology provide guidance. Some recent studies are shown in Table 1. Mean CCT for specific populations lie between 510 and 560 microns with the majority closer to 530-550 microns [12-31]. Thinnest mean CCT is reported in central/southern Indians, Japanese, West and North Africans, African Americans and Australian Aborigines. Indians residing in Singapore have a considerably thicker mean CCT than Indians living in India. The thickest mean CCT is found in European, White American and Latino populations.

Table 1.

Recent population based studies of central corneal thickness (CCT).

Region	Ethnic Group	(n)	Mean CCT	Study
Asia	Singapore Chinese	3353	552	Chua
	Singapore Indian	3400	540	Chua
	Singapore Malay	3280	541	Chua
	Korean	1259	531	Hwang
	Chinese	1262	542	Wang
	Nepalese	2330	539	Thapa
	Southern Indian	6754	511	Vijaya
	Central Indian	9370	514	Nangia
	Japan	2868	521	Tomidokoro
Europe	Polish	365	563	Filipecka
	German	4698	554	Hoffman
	French	221	553	Lazreg
	Spanish	357	548	Gros-Otero
Africa	North African	1662	518	Lazreg
	West African	1011	524-531	Ntim-Amponsah
	Southern Egyptian	4368	530	Mostafa
	African American	84	529	Haseltine
	Latino American	96	545	Haseltine
	White American	90	550	Haseltine
	Latino American	3685	551	Jiang
	Puerto Rican	588	541	Graeber
	American Indian/Alaskan	429	554	Torres
Pacific	Norfolk Islanders	781	546	Mackey
	Australian Caucasian	1356	540	Rahman
	Australian Aborigine	1884	512	Landers

Thick and Thin Corneas in Eyes with Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma

The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) [3] examined the effect of IOP-lowering on conversion rates from ocular hypertension to open-angle glaucoma. Additionally, it provided insights into the way CCT interacts with measured IOP, risk of glaucoma onset and response to therapy. Of 1636 eyes, mean CCT was 572.5 microns. This is considerably thicker than mean CCT reported in similar study populations (Table 1). As eyes were entered into the study on the basis of high IOP (24-32mmHg), the presence of a thicker mean CCT suggests this corneal parameter in part contributed to the measured IOP and thus the inclusion of some individuals. Comparison of eyes that did and did not develop glaucoma showed a significant difference in mean CCT, with the former group having thinner corneas (553.1 microns vs. 574.3 microns). This relationship was highlighted further in multivariate analysis with a hazard ratio for glaucoma onset of 1.71 for every 40 microns thinner CCT. When CCT was measured against response to therapy, an inverse relationship was demonstrated. Eyes with thin CCT displayed greater IOP reductions than did eyes with thick CCT, both at initiation of treatment and through 60 months of follow-up [32]. Explanations for this finding include limitation of ocular drug penetration through thick corneas, a potentially greater effect of corneal rigidity on measured IOP at lower levels, or lower “true” baseline IOP in eyes with thicker CCT (resulting in decreased IOP falls).

Correcting for Central Corneal Thickness when Estimating IOP

With GAT, the countering effects of tear film surface tension and CCT are minimized when the applanation area measures 3.06mm in diameter and the CCT is 520 microns (5). When all else is equal, a CCT above this level theoretically will overestimate the true tension and vice versa. Algorithms have been devised to correct for the presumed effect of CCT on IOP readings including those suggested by Ehlers et al. [33], Doughty and Zaman [34] as well as Orssengo and Pye [35]. Use of correction tables has become widespread. However, given that such corrections did not alter the measured effect of mean CCT on IOP changes to treatment in OHTS, the relationship may be more complex. This has been confirmed by subsequent studies that specifically examined this issue. For example, Park et al. [36] compared "corrected" and "uncorrected" GAT to DCT as the reference standard. They found that corrected GAT was no more accurate than uncorrected GAT, with the former showing poorer correlation to DCT measurements, particularly for thicker corneas. Thus CCT correction formulas may reduce, not improve, the accuracy of estimated IOP and points to the potential effects of corneal biomechanical factors unrelated to CCT. Comparison between manometry and CCT-corrected GAT shows this is indeed the case [37].

MEASUREMENT OF IOP IN THE ABNORMAL CORNEA

The Cornea Following Laser Vision Correction

Due to changes in CCT, IOP measurements may be inaccurate following LASIK or PRK. This is especially significant given many LASIK patients are myopic and spuriously low IOP measurements may result in failure to detect early glaucoma. These ablative procedures not only result in reductions in CCT but also alter the biomechanics of the cornea. This is supported by studies demonstrating that both CH and CRF decrease following LASIK [38, 39]. Measurements of IOP using both GAT and ORA (to determine IOPg and IOPcc) have shown a significant reduction following LASIK [39]. However, DCT has been reported to be relatively immune to changes in CCT and corneal biomechanics following LASIK [38, 40-42]. The DCT may be a preferable method of measuring IOP in patients following LASIK, as unlike GAT it does not rely on a static applanation of the cornea, rendering it less sensitive to alterations in corneal biomechanics.

The Keratoconic or Ectatic Cornea

High degrees of corneal astigmatism, such as may be found in keratoconus, have been shown to influence GAT measurement of IOP significantly [43]. CH and CRF are lower in corneas with keratoconus compared with normal corneas [44, 45]. There also appears to be a significant negative correlation between CH and CRF and the grade of keratoconus, with greater severity resulting in lower CH and CRF. GAT IOP, IOPg and IOPcc measurements have all been found to underestimate true IOP in keratoconic corneas [39]: there is a tendency to underestimate IOP using applanation methods in corneas with reduced damping capacity. There are limitations in utilizing the ORA to determine CH and CRF accurately in corneas with advanced keratoconus or ectasia owing to distortion in the morphology of the waveform signature.

The Edematous Cornea

In conditions resulting in endothelial decompensation, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, the cornea may swell significantly. Whilst these corneas have an increased CCT, they have reduced CH compared with control eyes [11, 46]; they behave biomechanically similar to keratoconic eyes. There is a tendency to underestimate IOP in such corneas using applanation tonometry.

The Cornea Following Keratoplasty

CH decreases following keratoplasty, whilst CRF increases [47]. Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) might be expected to influence corneal biomechanics, it induces significant changes in CCT and corneal astigmatism. The corneal surface may be highly irregular following keratoplasty, especially in the early post-operative period, rendering GAT-determined IOP impossible. Other methods such as pneumatic tonometry, Tono-Pen or iCare tonometry may be useful alternatives. However, the iCare tonometer has been reported to underestimate GAT readings in post-keratoplasty eyes and the two do not appear to be interchangeable for this purpose [48]. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty causes similar alterations to corneal biomechanics as PK. For endothelial keratoplasty, such as Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty, patients have an increase in CCT post-operatively, but the IOP is generally not affected [49]. For IOP measurement, GAT remains the gold standard. However, DCT and pneumatic tonometry may also be useful.

The Keratoprosthetic Cornea

There are two primary forms of keratoprosthesis in use: the oculo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) and the Boston Keratoprosthesis (Boston Kpro). In both, the central cornea is replaced with a prosthetic implant, rendering conventional methods of applanation or pneumatic tonometry impossible. Monitoring of IOP in such patients is important, as between 36-76% of keratoprosthesis patients already have glaucoma, whilst a new diagnosis of glaucoma is made in 2-28% of Kpro patients post-operatively [50]. Digital tonometry is the most common method to guesstimate IOP in these patients. There are others: a Tono-Pen at the limbus may approximate true IOP and transpalpebral measurements, using devices such as the Diaton. These might be useful.

Other Abnormal States of the Cornea

A high degree of regular astigmatism in a cornea may render inaccurate measurement of IOP with applanation tonometry. One can minimize this by measuring the IOP twice, firstly with the tonometer head aligned along the steep axis, and secondly along the flat axis. The mean of the two measurements is then recorded as the IOP. Irregular astigmatism may develop in a cornea subjected to chemical or mechanical injury, distorting the mires during GAT measurements. Salzmann’s nodular degeneration may make applanation tonometry unreliable. Under these circumstances GAT may provide only an estimate of true IOP. Rebound tonometry instruments such as the iCare tonometer, which do not require applanation, may be useful options with irregular astigmatism.

In collagen cross-linking, riboflavin drops are applied to the cornea followed by ultraviolet irradiation; this induces biochemical changes in collagen fibrils, stiffening the keratoconic cornea [51]. Such stiffening alters the biomechanics of the cornea and may alter the measurement of IOP. Perhaps reassuringly, Vinciguerra [52] reported an increase in CH and CRF during the impregnation and irradiation phases of cross-linking, but did not find an induced effect on IOP.

Diabetes mellitus is commonly associated with thicker corneas and an increase in IOP [53]. Scheler found no difference in CH or CRF between controls and well-controlled diabetics [53]. However, CH tended to be higher and CRF was significantly higher, in poorly-controlled diabetics compared with controls. This may be from an increase in the viscosity of the ground substance of the cornea in patients with elevated HbA1c, leading to higher corneal resistance and a falsely high IOP measurement.

SUMMARY

Accurate measurement of IOP is a fundamental component of the ocular examination. It facilitates the diagnosis and management of patients with established glaucoma and the identification of patients with an elevated risk of developing glaucoma. For over 50 years, the most common method of measuring IOP has been by GAT, largely on account of its low cost and ease of use. However, as we understand corneal biomechanics better, we increasingly appreciate GAT's limitations. We overestimate IOP in thick corneas and underestimate it in thin corneas. Algorithms to correct for CCT to estimate IOP oversimplifies the effects of corneal biomechanics. Corneal thickness is but one component of a complex interaction between the viscous and elastic properties of the cornea, which ultimately combine to influence IOP measurements in not entirely predictable ways. This has been born out in studies of patients with inherently abnormal and surgically altered corneal biomechanics. Newer methods of IOP estimation, including DCT and the ORA, provide valuable alternatives to GAT in patients with abnormal corneas. While there is no single method which provides an easy, quick and accurate result in all cases, the practitioner must rely on well-established methods informed by an understanding of their limitations. With ongoing research, new techniques promise to increase our understanding of the complex interplay between the cornea and the measurement of IOP.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors confirm that this article content has no conflict of interest.