MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Tonometry
What is tonometry?
Tonometry is a method of measuring the pressure of the eye. Tonometry is used to determine the pressure in the eye by measuring the tone or firmness of its surface.
What is tonometry used for?
Tonometry is used by doctors to detect glaucoma. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). This pressure leads to damage to the eye (optic) nerve. Actually, glaucoma is now considered a disease of the optic nerve (optic neuropathy) that causes a loss of vision, usually in both eyes (bilateral). This loss often begins with a subtle decrease in side (peripheral field) vision. If the glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it may progress to loss of central vision and blindness.
An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) can usually detect those individuals who are at risk for glaucoma (because of, for example, a narrow filtering angle or increased intraocular pressure) before nerve damage occurs. The doctor also can diagnose patients who already have glaucoma by observing their nerve damage or visual field loss.
How is tonometry done?
Several types of tonometers are available for this test, the most common being the applanation tonometer. After the eye has been numbed with anesthetic eye drops, the tonometer's sensor is placed against the front surface of the eye. The firmer the tone of the surface of the eye, the higher the pressure reading. The doctor can record the pressure reading and this can be used to diagnose or monitor the treatment of glaucoma.
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