Goldmann and modified Goldmann tonometry measuring intraocular pressure changes in eyes which underwent myopic laser in situ Keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: Compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by a standard Goldmann applanation tonometer prism (IOPg) and a modified correcting applanation tonometer surface Goldmann prism (IOPc) before and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: Goldmann tonometry was analyzed in a retrospective, cross-sectional study, using both GAT and modified-GAT prisms pre-operatively and at the 3 month post-operative appointment on 120 eyes (64 patients) who received LASIK (n = 58) or PRK (n = 62). Demographics, central corneal thickness (CCT), manifest refraction and corneal curvature (CC) data was collected at each visit as well as surgical parameters, including maximum ablation depth. RESULTS: Mean paired IOP following LASIK decreased by − 3.28 ± 3.2 mmHg measured by IOPg and − 1.93 ± 3.3 mmHg by IOPc (p ≤ 0.0001). Mean paired IOP following PRK reduced by − 1.92 ± 3.6 mmHg measured by IOPg and − 1.06 ± 3.6 mmHg by IOPc (p ≤ 0.0001). Increased LASIK ablation depth and post-procedural change in CCT trended toward a statistically significant reduction in IOPg (p = 0.07,p = 0.12), but not IOPc (p = 0.18,p = 0.32). PRK ablation depth was not associated with a reduction in IOPg or IOPc. DISCUSSION: The modified Goldmann (IOPc) prism measured less of an IOP reduction following LASIK and PRK compared to the standard (IOPg) prism, and the IOP reduction with both prisms was associated with the degree of myopic correction. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN AND THE RESIDUAL QUERY: Corneal refractive surgery generally demonstrates significant postoperative Goldmann IOP reductions. Presumably, this is due to corneal biomechanical changes for which a newer method of Goldmann IOP measurement may be able to compensate. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: A modified, corneal conforming Goldmann prism demonstrates significantly less IOP reduction following myopic LASIK and PRK compared to the standard flat Goldmann prism. HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY: A newer, modified Goldmann prism may help detect glaucoma and OHT at an earlier stage in patients which have undergone LASIK or PRK. The findings corroborate predicted corneal biomechanical changes following the most common corneal refractive procedures. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02741-z.