Disinfection of the Goldman applanation tonometer: a systematic review

The effectiveness of a three-step sterilization method for Goldmann tonometer prism: A cross-sectional study

“…A meta-analysis conducted by Alex Ragan et al . [ 15 ] reviewed 19 primary-level studies for Goldmann tonometer prisms disinfection; the results revealed that the included studies were largely heterogeneous with regard to the pathogens and disinfectants, indicating that the present state of the disinfection does not permit a definitive conclusion; novel disinfection methods with the advantages of great efficacy, safety, and efficiency still have their markets. In our study, isopropyl alcohol, which was mostly recommended in CDC’s guidelines, was selected.…”

Review of Hygiene and Disinfection Recommendations for Outpatient Glaucoma Care: A COVID Era Update

“…Other ophthalmic devices such as handheld tonometers have been implicated in the transmission of viral pathogens as well. 30 On April 2, 2020, the AAO recommended using the "same disinfection practices already used" to disinfect ophthalmic instruments and office furniture. 27 In order to confirm manufacturers' disinfection instructions and to provide a reference tool for glaucoma specialists as they continue to see patients in the outpatient setting, customer support lines of several manufacturers were contacted, and we conducted a comprehensive review of manufacturer webpages and equipment user manuals.…”

“…[31][32][33][34][35][36][37] A systematic review of 11 studies assessing the disinfection of Goldmann tonometers concluded that there is no definitive optimal technique or agent for the disinfection of Goldmann applanation tonometer prisms. 30,33 The AAO supports the use of diluted bleach for the disinfection of reusable tonometer tips for SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus. If available, single use, disposable tonometer prisms provide an alternative to reusable prisms to prevent cross-contamination.…”

Reprocessing semicritical items: Outbreaks and current issues

“…Applanation tonometers are a possible vector for the transmission of infectious disease and outbreaks of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (caused by adenovirus), 41,42 and have been related to incompletely disinfected tonometers. 22,41,42 In view of the potential for transmission of viruses (eg, herpes simplex virus, adenovirus type 8, or HIV) 73 by tonometer tips, the CDC recommended 74 that the tonometer tips be wiped clean and disinfected for 5-10 minutes with either 3% hydrogen peroxide, 5,000 ppm chlorine, 70% ethyl alcohol, or 70% isopropyl alcohol. However, data suggest that 3% hydrogen peroxide and 70% isopropyl alcohol are not effective against adenovirus capable of causing epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and similar viruses and should not be used for disinfecting applanation tonometers.…”