There are many different methods at an ophthalmologist’s disposal for testing eye pressure. Non-contact tonometry is one method for testing the eye’s intraocular pressure. Keep reading for a look into how a non-contact tonometer works and the various benefits of using this method.
Tonometry Process
The tonometry process involves a test that measures the pressure inside your eye. This test is a routine part of any exam eye, and you may be familiar with performing or being on the receiving end of this test, as they are very normal procedures. The tonometer is a tool that measures IOP (intraocular pressure) by determining how resistant your cornea is to indentation. There are several methods of finding this eye pressure, including using a non-contact tonometer.
How It Works
While some tonometry tests involve anesthetic drops to numb the eye or the use of a tonopen, non-contact tonometers use pressurized air to test eye pressure. Many eyecare practices use the non-contact method, also known as the air puff test, due to its convenience and the fact that patients may be more comfortable with this method. The patient will line up their eyes with a device that produces a gentle puff of air to flatten the cornea instead of the usual tonometer.
Benefits of the Non-Contact Tonometer
While some studies have found that non-contact tonometry produces less accurate results compared to the contact methods, the air puff test still has many benefits. For one, ophthalmologists can use this test on children and adults who may be more sensitive to having their eyes touched. Non-contact tonometry is also a very convenient and rapid method, making it ideal for busy ophthalmologists who see a lot of patients.
There are many different methods of tonometry tests, and non-contact tonometry has its benefits as one of them. Many patients are more comfortable with how a non-contact tonometer works compared to more traditional tests. No matter which method you use, choose Automated Ophthalmics Inc. for all the tonometer supplies you need, including tonopen tip covers and more.