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Br J Ophthalmol 2003;87:1360-1362 doi:10.1136/bjo.87.11.1360
  • Clinical science
    • Extended reports

Minimising the risk of prion transmission by contact tonometry

  1. S Z Amin1,
  2. L Smith2,
  3. P J Luthert1,
  4. M E Cheetham1,
  5. R J Buckley2,3
  1. 1Institute of Ophthalmology, Department of Pathology, Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
  2. 2Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
  3. 3Department of Optometry and Visual Science, City University, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Professor R J Buckley 57A Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YP, UK; RJBcityaol.com
  • Accepted 3 March 2003

Abstract

Aims: The unknown prevalence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in the UK population has led to fears of horizontal transmission through routine medical procedures. The potential risk of transmission via contact tonometry was examined.

Methods: The total amount of protein carried over by tonometer tips after applanation of patients was assessed.

Results: Tonometer tips had an inherent ability to carry proteinaceous material. There was a large variability in the load carried over between individual patients. Rinsing tonometer tips in water reduced protein carryover. Wiping the tonometer tips also reduced carriage, though less dramatically.

Conclusion: There is a small theoretical risk of transmission of vCJD by contact tonometry through reuse, but this should be reduced if the prisms are washed and wiped. In the light of these findings a protocol for the management of reusable tonometer prisms is recommended.

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