Tonometers are automatic devices that help to measure the pressure inside the eye. Features of tonometers include eye drops to numb the eye, as well as detection systems that can help read for glaucoma and other important eye diagnoses. Most tonometers use either electronic indentation processes or non-contact processes. With electronic indentation, the tonometer features a tool that the doctor places onto the cornea, which automatically relays pressure information to the machine to determine whether or not the eyes have glaucoma.

Noncontact tonometry is commonly known as the air-puff method, and it uses a puff of air to flatten the cornea temporarily while a reading is done. This way of measuring pressure is quick and mostly painless to the patient, and easy for the ophthalmologist to read. It targets the type of pressure in the eye and uses an advanced system to take readings that will indicate the presence of glaucoma.

Tonometry measures IOP, which is known as intraocular eye pressure. The device uses a method to flatten the cornea, which helps it gauge the resistance of the cornea to the flattening effect. Each ophthalmologist is different and may want to use different methods to determine how to measure the eye best. That way, they know how to take the most accurate readings. Using one of the two tonometry methods, the eye doctor will create the ability to gently press down on the eye, taking pressure measurements while doing so.

Because there are a few different methods of using tonometry to measure pressure in the eye, an ophthalmologist may want to invest in one of more tonometers. That way, the most accurate readings can be given without sacrificing the discomfort of the patient. The use of a microscope may also be needed depending on the type of tonometer available. 

Tonometers were invented as a way to better predict glaucoma. Glaucoma results in too much pressure building up in the cornea area, which can damage nerves and tissues. This can cause blindness, and ophthalmologists want a way to be able to take accurate readings to help the patient in the best way possible. Tonometry is the best way to measure IOP and detect for traces of glaucoma. 

• Accutome
• BiCOM
• BioResonator
• Bon Optic
• CANON USA
• Carl Zeiss Meditec
• CSO
• Essilor Instruments
• Keeler
• NIDEK
• Oculus
• And many more