Clinical evaluation of the accuracy of intraocular pressure measurement by Tono-Pen XL in eyes with amniotic membrane patching

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of amniotic membrane on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with the Tono-Pen. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHOD: Eight patients with partial limbal dysfunction who underwent penetrating keratoplasty were recruited. Amniotic membranes were patched just after keratoplasty. One week postoperatively, amniotic membranes were removed, and accuracy of IOP measurement with the Tono-Pen was evaluated with comparisons before and after the removal. RESULTS: No epithelial defects were detected after the removal of amniotic membrane. Mean IOPs with and without amniotic membranes were 16.6 ± 3.0 mm Hg (mean ± SD) and 16.0 ± 3.7 mm Hg, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of IOP with the Tono-Pen was observed to be accurate even when used over an amniotic membranes patch in cases who underwent penetrating keratoplasty.