Impact of gender‐specific differences in corneal elasticity upon IOP measurements using vibration tonometry

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PurposeVibration Tonometry enables precise non‐contact tonometry independently of CCT and post LASIK using induced corneal vibrations response to calculate IOP using different algorithms for men and women. This corneal vibrations response reflects different tissue elasticity between men and women. We calculate IOP error using gender‐inverted algorithms: female algorithm for men and vice versaMethodsVibration Tonometry IOP data from clinical trials in 324 subjects in 3 IOP groups and in 3 age groups. 1,040 and 1,031 measurements were used respectively in women and in menResultsUsing men algorithm for women mean IOP difference was −0.376 mm Hg; 0.07 mmHg; 1.937 mmHg respectively in the <16 mm; 16–23 mm and in the >23 mm Hg group significantly different p < 0.0001. In 3 age groups women showed IOP mean difference of −0.086 mm Hg, 0.077 and −0.224 mm Hg respectively in <50; 50–60 and >60 years old women. Kruskal Wallis test used showed all 3 groups differed significantly p < 0.001, when compared 2 to 2 the error in the 50–60 group differed significantly from that in >60 years old group. For Men mean IOP difference was −0.115 mm Hg in the <16 mm group versus 0.385 in the 16–26 mm Hg group and −1.002 in the >23 mm Hg group all significantly different (Ttest p < 0.0009). The 3 age groups in men showed IOP mean difference of −0.129 mmHg, 0.185 and 0.259 mmHg (SD = 1.286) respectively in <50; 50–60 and >60 years old men. Kruskal Wallis test non significant p < 0.056, when compared 2 to 2 the error in the <50 group differed nearly significantly from that in >60 years old p = 0.025ConclusionsGender related difference in IOP measurement is most significant in the higher IOP, >60 years old and most significantly in women with higher corneal elasticity. These analyses confirm the important need for gender specific tonometry as uniquely provided by Vibration Tonometry.