In Ophthalmology, What is Tonometry?
In ophthalmology, tonometry refers to measurements of intra-ocular pressure that can diagnose conditions like glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure caused by fluids in the eye. High intraocular pressure can damage the nerves in the eyes and result in loss of sight. Since high intraocular pressure is often the greatest risk factor for illnesses like glaucoma, tonometry examinations tend to be quite standard along with other examinations of the eyes during a visit to an ophthalmologist. Tonometry examinations make use of a tonometer, which can adequately measure IOP. It does so by measuring the cornea’s resistance to outside pressure. Tonometry tests can actually be done in a several ways. Some ophthalmologists perform a noncontact tonometry measurement. A puff of air is shot at the eye at close range and the corneal reaction is observed. This is a frequently used form of tonometry, but according to most physicians, is also the least accurate means to detect high IOP.
