Non Contact Tonometer

Tonometry is a diagnostic test that measures your intraocular pressure (IOP), or the pressure inside your eye. Tonometry can help to determine if you’re at risk for glaucoma. People with glaucoma have high intraocular pressure because the fluid inside the eye drains too slowly.

What is tonometry?
Tonometry is a quick test performed to measure the pressure inside your eyes.

What is tonometry used for?
Doctor uses ocular tonometry to see if you’re at risk for glaucoma. In people with glaucoma, the fluid that circulates inside their eye is either produced too fast or drains too slowly. As a result, the pressure inside their eye builds up. Left untreated, increased eye pressure can eventually impact the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

Who should have a tonometry test?
People who have a heightened risk of glaucoma should undergo a tonometry test. There are several factors that increase your risk for glaucoma, including:
• Family history.
• Age.
• Race.
• History of eye injuries.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Diabetes.
• Migraine headaches.
• Thin corneas.

You should also schedule a consultation with us right away if you experience:
• Blurred vision.
• Severe or persistent eye pain.
• Tunnel vision.
• Halos around lights.
• Loss of peripheral vision.

TEST DETAILS

How does tonometry work?
Ocular tonometry measures the pressure inside of your eye by flattening your cornea. The more force that’s needed to flatten your cornea, the higher the intraocular pressure. People with high intraocular pressure are more likely to develop glaucoma. Tonometry helps detect this problem early on so your healthcare provider can create an effective treatment plan.

What should I expect before my tonometry test?
Before performing your ocular tonometry test, your healthcare provider will put numbing eye drops in your eyes. This keeps you from feeling anything during the test.

How is tonometry performed?
Ocular tonometry may be performed using different methods, depending on your needs. No matter what type of tonometry test is used, the main goal is the same: to measure the pressure inside of your eye by applying force to your cornea.

What are the types of tonometry tests and how do they measure eye pressure?
We perform several different types of tonometry tests. We will determine which assessment is best suited to your needs. Some of the most common types of tonometry include:
• Non-contact tonometry. Also known as air-puff tonometry, this test uses a puff of air to flatten your cornea. Non-contact tonometry isn’t the most accurate way to measure the pressure inside your eye. However, it’s commonly used as a simple screening tool and is the easiest way to test children.
• Applanation (Goldmann) tonometry. During this diagnostic assessment, your provider uses a small probe to flatten your cornea. They then use a slit lamp to examine your eye. Applanation tonometry is extremely accurate and is often performed after air-puff tonometry has detected high intraocular pressure.
• Electronic indentation tonometry. This type of tonometry test uses an electronic device to measure intraocular pressure. Your healthcare provider places a small instrument directly on your cornea and the test results are read on a computer screen.