Goldmann tonometry and fluorescein solution: a way to avoid contact lens staining.

Topical instillation of fluorescein during standard Goldmann tonometry may cause subsequent contact lens staining. We evaluated a method of Goldmann tonometry that uses only a small amount of fluorescein. In this experimental technique, the fluorescein is applied only to the tip of the applanation cone with fluorescein-coated tissue paper. Thirty patients had their intraocular pressures (IOPs) determined by this method. The IOP measurements were then repeated on the same eyes after instillation of fluorescein directly onto their eyes. In addition, 20 soft contact lens wearers had their IOPs determined by the experimental method, with contact lenses fitted immediately after the measurements. There was no statistically significant difference between the IOPs measured by the standard technique and by the experimental method. In addition, no fluorescein staining was detected in the 20 soft contact lenses examined. Our results suggest that the proposed method is accurate and useful in determining IOP prior to soft contact lens fitting.