Tonometry, or the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), has evolved significantly over time. The Goldmann applanation tonometer, introduced in the 1950s, was long considered the gold standard but does not account for factors like corneal thickness and stiffness. Newer devices use air puffs, indentation, or advanced cameras to record the cornea's response and provide a more accurate IOP reading. Specifically, the Corvis ST uses a high-speed camera to measure hysteresis and account for biomechanical properties, allowing for a truly personalized IOP assessment. As technology advances, tonometry continues to improve our understanding and treatment of glaucoma.
This seminar made by me with my practical and theoretical knowledge so i would like to share my seminar to others for making diagnosis of glaucoma and early management for human being. i hope it will give helps for others.
Intraocular pressure
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside the eye. . IOP is an important aspect in the evaluation of patients at risk of glaucoma.
Tonometry is the method eye care professionals use to determine this. Most tonometers are calibrated to measure pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Physiology
• Intraocular pressure is determined by the production and drainage of aqueous humour by the ciliary body and its drainage via the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral outflow. The reason for this is because the vitreous humour in the posterior segment has a relatively fixed volume and thus does not affect intraocular pressure regulation.
• The intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye is determined by the balance between the amount of aqueous humor - that the eye makes and the ease with which it leaves the eye.
The Goldmann equation states:
Po = (F/C) + Pv
Po is the IOP in millimeters of mercury (mmHg),
F is the rate of aqueous formation,
C is the facility of outflow,
Pv is the episcleral venous pressure.
Measurements
Intraocular pressure is measured with a tonometer as part of a comprehensive eye examination.
Types of Tonometry
1. Applanation tonometry
Applanation tonometry is based on the Imbert-Fick principle, which states that;
‘’The pressure inside an ideal dry, thin-walled sphere equals the force necessary to flatten its surface divided by the area of flattening’’
P = F/A
where P = pressure, F = force and A = area
In applanation tonometry, the cornea is flattened and the IOP is determined by varying the applanating force or the area flattened.
Goldmann and Perkins applanation tonometry
Equipment
• Tonometer, either Goldmann (used on slit lamps) or Perkins (hand-held)
• Applanation prism
• Local anaesthetic drops
• Fluorescein strips
• Clean cotton wool or gauze swabs.
Method
• The Goldmann applanation tonometer measures the force necessary to flatten an area of the cornea of 3.06mm diameter. At this diameter, the resistance of the cornea to flattening is counterbalanced by the capillary attraction of the tear film meniscus for the tonometer head.
• The IOP (in mm Hg) equals the flattening force (in grams) multiplied by 10. Fluorescein dye is placed in the patient’s eye to highlight the tear film. A split-image prism is used such that the image of the tear meniscus is divided into a superior and inferior arc. The intraocular pressure is taken when these arcs are aligned such that their inner margins just touch.
• Applanation tonometry measurements are affected by the central corneal thickness (CCT). When Goldmann designed his tonometer, he estimated an average corneal thickness of 520 microns to cancel the opposing forces of surface tension and corneal rigidity to allow indentation. It is now known that a wide variation exists in corneal thickness among individuals. Thicker CCT may give an artificially high IOP measurement, whereas thinner CCT can give an arti
Diaton Tonometer Clinical Trials Guide:
A summary of 15 Clinical Comparison Trials Related to Diaton Transpalpebral & Transscleral Tonometer vs Goldmann, Tonopen, Non-contact, Ocular Response Analyzer, Perkins and Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometers in Normal, Glaucoma, Keratoconus, post LASIK and post KPro Type 1 subjects + Reviews, Testimonials, Manuals & User Guides, Videos:
• Comparison of Intraocular Pressure before and after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Refractive Surgery Measured with Perkins Tonometry, Noncontact Tonometry, and Transpalpebral Tonometry. J Ophthalmol. 2015;2015:683895. doi: 10.1155/2015/683895. Epub 2015 Jun 8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26167293
• Diaton Tonometer use in Boston KPro Type 1. Clinical Study from University of Illinois at Chicago: Agreement among Transpalpebral,Transcleral and Tactile Intraocular Pressure Measurements in Eyes with Type 1 Boston Keratoprosthesis
• Diaton tonometer in Keratoconus study: Tonometric Values of Intraocular Pressure, Using the Goldmann Tonometer, Tonopen and Diaton Transpalpebral Tonometer in Keratoconus
• Clinical Comparison of 3 tonometers: Comparative Agreement Among Three Methods of Tonometry: Goldmann Applanation, Transpalpebral and Dynamic Contour
• Diaton tonometer use post LASIK: Diaton tonometer for intraocular pressure measurements after laser in situ keratomileusis
• Additional trials/articles can be found here: http://www.tonometerdiaton.com/index.php?do=home.Comparison_clinical_trials_Diaton_Tonometer_Goldmann_Tonopen_Applanation_Tonometers
• Instructions Videos and step-by-step Easy to follow picture guides + Quick User Guide+ Training videos can be found here: https://tonometry.wordpress.com/2015/05/19/diaton-tonometer-manual-quick-user-guide-how-to-use-diaton-tonometer-user-videos-helpful-tips/
• The following video would give you a great overview to see how quick and easy the test really is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfu2leF4UYw
• Testimonial: Review of Advantages and Benefits of DIATON Tonometer by Dr Mark Latina and Dr Emil Chynn http://www.tonometerdiaton.com/index.php?do=home.viewNews&item=Review_Diaton_Tonometer_by_Dr_Mark_Latina_Dr_Emil_Chynn_Advantages_Benefits
Comparison of Intraocular Pressure before and after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Refractive Surgery Measured with Perkins Tonometry, Noncontact Tonometry, and Transpalpebral Tonometry. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26167293
Cacho I1, Sanchez-Naves J1, Batres L2, Pintor J3, Carracedo G4.
Purpose. To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), measured by Diaton, Perkins, and noncontact air pulse tonometers. Methods. Fifty-seven patients with a mean age of 34.88 were scheduled for myopia LASIK treatment.
A scan biometry | How to Use A-scan? Types of A-Scan Biometry?Naeem Ahmad
A-SCAN BIOMETRY | What is A-Scan Biometry? How To Use It?
A-scan is the short form of amplitude scan.
This eye ultrasound gives details about the length of the eye.
A-Scan is an essential diagnostic tool used in ophthalmology.
The measurement of the eye’s axial length through an A-scan is necessary for placing an intraocular lens (IOL, artificial lens) during cataract surgery.
The total refractive power of the emmetropic eye is approximately 60D. Of this power, the cornea provides roughly 40D, and the crystalline lens 20 diopters.
When a cataract is removed, the lens is replaced by an artificial lens implant. By measuring both the length of the eye (A-scan Biometry) and the power of the cornea (keratometry).
It may also be used to assess vision abnormalities and other diseases involving the eye such as tumors.
A-scan techniques are based on the principles of ultrasonography. Sound travels in a wave pattern. For a sound to be heard by the human ear, the frequency must be between 20 and 20,000 Hz (20 kHz).
For an eye examination through A-scan, an ultrasound of frequency of around 10 MHz is used.
Similar to OT 2016 The Changing Face of Tonometry (20)
A scan biometry | How to Use A-scan? Types of A-Scan Biometry?
OT 2016 The Changing Face of Tonometry
1. Optometry
Tomorrow 2016
The Changing Face of
Tonometry
Jason Higginbotham BSc (Hons) MCOptom
FBDO – Ophthalmic Clinical Advisor
Birmingham Optical
2. The History of Tonometry
• Visual loss related to a ‘hard or marble like’ eye was
first reported as far back as the 10th Century in Arabia
(Al-Tabari).
• In 1622, Bannister first suggested ‘Digital Palpation’ as
a technique for checking the ‘pressure of the eyeball’.
• In 1862, Von Graefe invented the first indentation
Tonometer.
3. The History of Tonometry
• Ernst Pflüger theorised the link between Intra Ocular
Pressure (IOP) and Glaucoma and associated changes
to the Optic Disc.
• Schiøtz developed the impression tonometer in 1897
for the Sclera before updating this to a Corneal
plunger device – still in the Keeler catalogue in the
early 1980’s.
• Weber (1867) and Maklakov (1885) produced first
Applanation Tonometers.
4. The History of Tonometry
• In 1954, Professor Goldmann invented an applanation
tonometer with a plexiglass probe that made contact
with the eye. Using a coiled spring and lever system, it
was very reliable and accurate. As the area
applanated was small, ocular scleral rebound and
globe rigidity did not affect the IOP results.
• The Goldmann tonometer is still considered the GOLD
STANDARD in tonometry to this day. Should this really
be the case?
7. The History of Tonometry
• In 1972, AO introduced the Non Contact Tonometer
(NCT). It used a pneumatic ‘air puff’ to applanate the
tonometer. Much easier to use, it allowed for quicker
IOP screening on all patients. The accuracy and
repeatability were not as good as the Goldmann.
• In 1986, Keeler introduced the Pulsair. This
revolutionised quick IOP screening as it was less noisy
or uncomfortable than earlier NCT’s.
10. The History of Tonometry
• Current devices most commonly found in everyday
practice tend to be combined pneumo tonometers
and auto refractors / auto keratometers.
• Most recent devices also analyse corneal pachymetry
and in some cases, also evaluate corneal hysteresis or
bio-mechanical properties. There is also a contact
tonometer which evaluates ocular pulse amplitude for
short term IOP fluctuations (Pascal).
12. Tonometry – relevance?
• Most studies show IOP (intraocular pressure) is the
biggest risk factor in developing glaucoma
• More precise knowledge of how IOP causes
mechanical damage or vascular damage or a
combination of both now exists
• Apoptosis of Ganglion cells and the reduction in
axonal transport (RNFL) is the proven cause of actual
loss of Ganglion cells and their axons in the RNFL;
ONH blood perfusion?
13. Tonometry – relevance?
• There are numerous papers which show that
reducing IOP in normal tension glaucoma is still
effective for many patients.
• The exact link between IOP and Glaucoma is still not
fully understood. Ocular blood flow and even the
physical architecture of the Lamina Cribrosa have
been shown to have some influence on Glaucoma
prevalence.
14. Tonometry – Gold Standard
• The current recognised Gold Standard tonometer is
the Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT).
• The GAT is a mechanical device introduced in 1956
and relies on the Imbert Fick law, a 3.06mm diameter
probe making contact with the cornea and the
assumption that the cornea is 520 microns thick.
• There are many ways the measured IOP can be
incorrect with GAT.
15.
16.
17. • Poor alignment of the Mires is the most
common cause of incorrect readings and taking
too long.
Too much Fluorescein Too little Fluorescein
Main Errors with Goldmann
18. Dial pressure too
low, increase
pressure on dial
so mires just
overlap.
Dial pressure too
high, reduce
pressure on dial
so mires just
overlap.
Probe too high,
move the Probe.
Vice Versa is
lower mire is
biggest.
Main Errors with Goldmann
19. Every GAT should be supplied with a calibration rod.
Essentially, this is the same as the weights that are used with
the Perkins. There are three settings to calibrate against,
0 mmHg, 20 mmHg and 60 mmHg.
Goldmann Calibration
20. Insert the calibration bar, with the
zero notch in the centre first, as
shown here. With the dial set
below zero, slowly turn the dial
until the probe arm just tilts
forwards. The scale should read
zero if the GAT is properly
calibrated for 0 mmHg. If not, it
will need sending for recalibration.
Repeat this for 20 and 60 mmHg.
24. Tonometry and Pachymetry
• Corneal Centre Thickness (CCT) is assumed to be
520 microns with the Goldmann tonometer.
Most other tonometers assume either 545 or
550 microns for the CCT.
• If the CCT is higher than that assumed by the
tonometer, then the device will OVER ESTIMATE
the patients IOP.
• If the CCT is lower than that assumed by the
tonometer, then the device will UNDER
ESTIMATE the patients IOP.
25. Is Pachymetry enough?
• CCT certainly helps us to calculate a more
accurate IOP reading.
• Remember to consider the patients pulse; take
averages. NICE suggests 4 readings per eye with
pneumo tonometers.
• Also, diurnal variation and even longer term
variations have been shown to exist. Phasing of
IOP readings might be worthwhile.
26. What is Corneal Hysteresis?
• The corneal hysteresis is
the amount of energy
that is absorbed by the
system.
• Therefore there is a
difference in the loading
and unloading process.
• The area between the
loading and the
unloading curve is the
exact measure of corneal
hysteresis.
• A perfect elastic material
would have no hysteresis
27. The Cornea is a Viscoelastic
material!
• The cornea has an elastic
and a viscosic component.
• The collagen fibres of the
stroma provide the highest
contribution for the
stiffness of the cornea.
• The collagen fibres are
embedded in a gel-like
substance (proteoglykanes)
that cause friction.
28. Providing REAL IOP readings
Reichert Ocular Response
Analyser
Oculus Corvis ST
Biomechanical Tonometer
29. Oculus Corvis
4300 frames per second Scheimpflug camera
image records the corneal reactions from a
60mmHg pneumo applanation
30. Oculus Corvis
Contact Lens Experiment
TAN 40 at 0mm Hg adjusted chamber pressure
Contact Lens Experiment
TAN 40 at 20mmHg adjusted chamber pressure
Contact Lens Experiment
TAN 40 at 60mmHg adjusted chamber pressure
Deformation amplitude significantaly
decreases when pressure increases
31. Deformation amplitude at 20 mmHg significantely decreases with higher stiffness of
material
Oculus Corvis
32. Beyond Tonometry
Conclusion: Corvis ST with best inter- and intra- observer
reproducibility compared to NCT (Topcon) and GAT
Author: Jiaxu Hong1, Jianjiang Xu1, Anji Wei1, Sophie X.
Deng2, Xinhan Cui1, Xiaobo Yu1,
33. 0.536
How big is the influence
of corneal thickness on
IOP-measurements?
• A: up to 2 mmHg
• B: up to 5 mmHg
• C: up to 7 mmHg
• D: >10 mmHg
Answer: Up to 2 mmHg
Pot. error moderate
Beyond Tonometry
Liu and Roberts, JCRS, January 2005
• The thicker the
cornea, the higher
the measured
pressure
• The thinner the
cornea, the lower
the measured
pressure
IOP-Error
34. How big is the influence of
stiffness on IOP-measure-
ments?
• A: up to 2 mmHg
• B: up to 5 mmHg
• C: up to 7 mmHg
• D: > 10 mmHg
Antwort: > 10 mmHg
Pot. Error Huge
Beyond TonometryIOP-Error
• The “stiffer” the
cornea, the greater
the measured
pressure
• The “softer” the
cornea, the lower the
measured pressure
35. Corneal Elasticity and Corneal
Thickness
The effect of CCT depends
on Young’s modulus of
elasticity
Difference = 8.68mmHg
Difference = 2.84mmHg
Liu and Roberts, JCRS, January 2005
36. Difference = 8.68mmHg
Older Patient = Stiffer cornea
Higher influence of conneal
thickness on IOP
Difference = 2.84mmHg
Young Patient = Weaker cornea
Smaller influence of corneal
thickness on IOP
Takes into account age + corneal
thickness
IOPcorr.= IOPmeas + constant*age*(540-CCT)
Sporl Correction Table
37. Data provided by Renato Ambrosio, MD, PhD
Normal eye versus Keratonic Eye
38. greater stability in post-op “blue” image than in
pre-op “red” image
Data provided by Renato Ambrosio, MD, PhD
Red: Keratoconus cornea Blue: same cornea after CXL
Assessing Collagen Cross
Linking (CXL)
39. Hong J, Xu J, Wei A, Deng SX, Cui X, Yu X, Sun X.:
A new tonometer--the Corvis ST tonometer: clinical comparison with
noncontact and Goldmann applanation tonometers.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 54(1):659-665
Reznicek L, Muth D, Kampik A, Neubauer AS, Hirneiss C.:
Evaluation of a novel Scheimpflug-based non-contact tonometer in healthy
subjects and patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
Br J Ophthalmol. 2013
Leung CK, Ye C, Weinreb RN.
An ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug camera for evaluation of corneal deformation
response and its impact on IOP measurement.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 54(4): 2885-2892
Kling S, Marcos S.
Contributing factors to corneal deformation in air puff measurements.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 54(7):5078-5085
Faria-Correia F, Ramos I, Valbon B, Luz A, Roberts CJ, Ambrósio R Jr.:
Scheimpflug-based tomography and biomechanical assessment in pressure induced
stromal keratopathy.
J Refract Surg. 2013 29(5):356-3588
Ambrósio R Jr, Valbon BF, Faria-Correia F, Ramos I, Luz A.:
Scheimpflug imaging for laser refractive surgery.
Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2013 Jul;24(4):310-20
References
40. College of Optometrists
Tonometers
Peter C. Kronfeld.:
The History of Glaucoma
Glaucoma – Volume 3, Chapter 41
Michael Tsatsos, David Broadway
Controversies in the history of glaucoma: is it all a load of Greek?
Br J Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov; 91(11): 1561 - 1562
Ivan Marjanovic
The history of detecting glaucomatous changes in the optic disc
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/52470
Kniestedt C, Nee M, Stamper RL
Dynamic contour tonometry: a comparative study on human cadaver eyes.
Arch Ophthalmol. 2004 Sep: 122(9): 1287-93
Aghaian E, Choe JE, Lin S, Stamper RL
Central corneal thickness of Caucasians, Chinese, Hispanics, Filipinos, African Americans
and Japanese in a Glaucoma clinic.
Ophthalmology. 2004 Dec; 111(12):2211-2219
References
At present, under GOC and GOS requirements, Optometrists have to carry out assessment of the Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) of patients during an eye examination. IOP is still currently used as a diagnostic marker for Glaucoma and of course Ocular Hypertension. There have been numerous papers and studies on the relevance of IOP in Glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring as well as its treatment. Instead, how IOP is measured and how accurate and reliable those measurements can be is the main topic of this presentation.
Over the centuries, people have been aware of blindness that seems to have been caused by hard / glassy eyes. The term Glaucosis was originally used to describe a range of conditions causing blindness, without any real understanding of mechanisms. As far back as 800BC, people have referred to the ‘juices of the eye’ causing the pupils to turn ‘grey’. This is most likely a reference to cataracts, but several physicians indepentently also noted that the use of deadly nightshade (Atropine) would cause the grey pupils to turn black.
In 1854, Eduard Jaeger first described the optic disc appearance in Glaucoma in relation to some form of raised pressure in the eye. Von Graefe also mentioned noticing the venous pulsation of the glaucomatous eye.
Indentation and early applanation devices were invented in the late 19th century. This, in particular, was because of the development of topical local anaesthesia. This allowed contact with the patients eye to be made for prolonged periods, though initial problems with sterility did occur.
The Goldmann tonometer is a very reliable device which is also fairly easy to use. The recent issues with new variant CJD have led to the increased use of disposable tonometer prisms. There appears to be no evidence of a drop in accuracy with such disposable prisms.
Glaucoma shared care requires that Goldmann tonometry is the method used to monitor patients.
Pneumotonometers first appeared in the mid 1960s. Generally, they used a continuous flow of gas which applanated the Cornea continuously and the applied pressure altered until the live IOP reading could be taken. This took too long and caused discomfort and drying. Later devices used more rapid measuring systems, primarily with the development of faster and smaller transistors and micro-processors.
Since the late 1980’s, auto tonometers have developed into highly reliable and versatile products, many versions adding auto refraction and auto keratometry functionality as well. Also, ‘through the lid’ tonometry was introduced in the late 1990’s; the Diaton promised excellent results without discomfort, but the added range of biomechanical properties introduced by the eye lid and tarsal plate simply makes results less reliable and adds more variables to take into account.
Here we have examples of three varieties of device. The Tonopen uses a slightly different method of measuring the intra ocular pressure (see later).
These more modern devices add more than just standard tonometry (see later).
Intra ocular pressure was considered a primary diagnostic factor in glaucoma. However, the definition of glaucoma is an optic neuropathy presenting progressive loss of neural tissue leaving the eye at the optic nerve head. There is no mention in this definition of intra ocular pressure. More and more cases of ocular hypertension without associated field loss OR low / normal tension glaucoma without raised intra ocular pressure have now been documented which cast doubt on IOP as the primary cause. Where IOP is a cause, there are two main likely causes of cell death; Direct mechanical damage and indirect ischaemia to neural tissue. This can lead to vascular damage, closing off of axonal transport in the RNFL and the release of glutamate in the vitreous thought to cause excitotoxicity to the ganglion cells. Programmed cell death results. The cause of this relies on two theories; Selective Damage Theory and Reduced Redundancy Theory.
The Bi Prism of the Goldmann allows the user to know when the probe is lined up correctly and when applanation has been achieved.
Adding too much Fluorescein can make the mires too thick. If this occurs, ask the patient to blink rapidly for a half a minute. You could use the edge of an absorbent tissue in the lower fornix whilst the patient looks up to remove excess Fluorescein, but avoid abrasion or adding lint to the tear film.
If the mires are too thin, simply add a little more Fluorescein, either with a strip or adding more of the drop.
Other errors occur when the patient has not been settled and their IOP is raised due to them being nervous and apprehensive. Also, remember to take averages due to the pulse and remember diurnal variation too.
It is estimated only 83% of GAT’s sold undergo calibration and often this is sporadic and not routine. Regular calibration is essential and a log of each check (the time, date and who did it) should be kept. Every three months is a fair period to repeat this, but some suggest even doing this daily!
Some papers do suggest over estimation of the IOP with the iCare compared to other portable tonometers where as other studies show good correlation with the Goldmann and the iCare.
Rebound technology is based on a rebound measuring principle, in which a very light-weight probe is used to make momentary contact with the cornea. In rebound technology, the motion parameters of the probe are recorded during the measurement. Induction based coil system is used for measuring the motion of the probe. Advanced algorithm combined with state of the art software analyses the probe deceleration, contact time and other parameters of the probe while it touches the cornea. The deceleration and other rebound parameters of the probe change as a function of IOP. In simple terms, the higher the IOP, the faster the probe decelerates and the shorter the contact time.
The Tono-Pen involves both applanation and indentation processes. It is a small, handheld, battery-powered device. The tonometer has an applanating surface with a tiny plunger protruding microscopically from the centre. As the tonometer -makes contact with the eye, the plunger gets resistance from the cornea and IOP producing a rising record of force by a strain gauge. At the moment of applanation, the force is shared by the foot plate and the plunger resulting in a momentary small decrease from the steadily increasing force. This is the point of applanation which is read electronically. Multiple readings are averaged. Because the area of applanation is known, the IOP can be calculated. The readings correlate well with Goldmann tonometry within normal IOP ranges
Measuring pachymetry is clearly important in correctly assessing a patients IOP. In Scotland, this is now a requirement and recently a directive to supply every practice with a pachymeter was put into place. Soon, every practice in Scotland will receive an Accutome pachymeter from Keeler.
REMEMBER post LASIK / LASEK patients.
Now that we have examined briefly the potential pitfalls of simple applanation tonometry, the value of measuring pachymetry and the added value of understanding corneal hysteresis, we can consider devices which take all of these things into consideration and put them together. The results from such devices are shown to be far more reliable, repeatable and accurate. However, such devices can even go beyond the realms of just providing real IOP measurements.
This shows the affect of IOP on the same thickness contact lens in a pressure chamber. Notice the deformation decreases as the IOP increases, but not linearly.
Here, we can see the affect where a different thickness of material changes the corneal response with the same IOP. Again, this is not a linear relationship.
The Corvis shows the best reproducibility of IOP results when compared to the ‘Gold Standard’ Goldmann Applanation Tonometer (GAT) or to one of the more accurate Non Contact Tonometers.
There is a non linear relationship between the difference in CCT (Corneal Centre Thickness) and how much the IOP is affected.
More worryingly, corneal stiffness (hysteresis) produces huge potential errors in the IOP measurements of standard tonometers, including GAT with pachymetry. This is why I propose the Corvis become the new Gold Standard in Optometry.
We may therefore use this device to identify patients at risk of or suffering from keratoconus or other ectasia (Pellucid marginal degeneration for example).
Here we can see the affect of collagen cross linking on the stiffness of the patients cornea. This shows the added value of modern biomechanical tonometers.