Applanation pneumotonometry in screening for glaucoma.
Two pneumotonometers were compared to the Goldmann applanation tonometer for adequacy as intraocular pressure screening devices in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The Digilab Model 30D, with digital readout, produced fewer false-negative results than the Model 30R, with graph readout, and was thus the more sensitive instrument. Although as a consequence some specificity was lost, this was not considered critical, since in a screening situation, sensitivity is the essential requirement. In addition, with the Model 30R, it was difficult to obtain a valid tracing in 17% of the eyes.
Equipment Design↗