DIGITAL PALPATION OF INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies investigating the accuracy of digital palpation through the eyelids to estimate intraocular press ure (IOP) have shown disappointing results. In this study, the accurac y of digital assessment of IOP by palpation of the bare cornea is inve stigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IOP of a cadaveric eye model was varied from 5 to 40 mm Hg in increments of 5 mm Hg. Two examiners, one experienced and one inexperienced, digitally palpated the corneas and estimated IOP. The results were compared before and after a 1-hour tr aining session. RESULTS: Prior to the training session, the experience d examiner guessed correctly 46% of the time and was correct within 5 mm Hg 100% of the time. The inexperienced examiner guessed correctly 2 1% of the time and was within 5 mm Hg 62% of the time. After the train ing session, the experienced examiner's score did not significantly ch ange, whereas the inexperienced examiner improved significantly (38% c orrect, 88% within 5 mm Hg, P=.05.) CONCLUSIONS: Digital assessment of IOP by palpation of bare cornea is accurate when performed by experie nced individuals. A minimal amount of training using the eye model may improve one's accuracy.