Is there a corneal ocular "pseudo-hypertension"?

Background The relation between Goldmann applanation tonometry and central corneal thickness (CCT) was evaluated in several studies during the last th irty years. Patients with ocular hypertension were found to have a signific antly higher CCT compared with normals and glaucomas. Patients To report on two sisters with elevated CCT and ocular hypertension diagnosed by raised intraocular-pressure (IOP) readings on Goldmann applan ation tonometry. Results In both patients, there were no signs for early functional or morph ological glaucomatous changes. Maximum IOP was 30 mm Hg and 26 mm Hg. The c orneal pachymetry revealed an increased CCT in both patients (700 and 680 m u m, respectively), while corneal morphology was normal. Conclusions Ocular hypertension can be misdiagnosed by too high applanation tonometer readings in patients with markedly elevated CCT. Before the onse t of treatment thus, corneal pachymetry should be performed in patients wit h ocular hypertension to exclude ocular "pseudohypertension" and to avoid u nneccessary treatment.