Tonometry
Tonometry is a diagnostic method used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), which is especially important for detecting glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and other conditions that affect the optic nerve.
When is tonometry indicated?
- Suspected glaucoma, headaches, visual deterioration, or rainbow-colored halos around light sources.
- Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure in patients with diagnosed glaucoma or increased risk of its development.
- After eye injuries or ophthalmic surgical procedures.
- As part of preventive eye examinations, particularly in patients over 40 years of age.
How is the examination performed?
- Topical anesthetic eye drops are instilled when contact methods are used.
- The physician measures intraocular pressure using a contact or non-contact device.
- The results are recorded immediately, and IOP dynamics can be assessed.
Types of tonometry
- Applanation tonometry (Goldmann tonometry). A contact method considered the clinical gold standard for IOP measurement.
- Non-contact tonometry (air-puff tonometry). Measurement using a brief air impulse.
- Impression tonometry (Maklakov tonometry). A contact technique involving corneal surface staining.
- Dynamic contour tonometry. Allows IOP measurement with reduced dependence on corneal thickness.
Which conditions can be detected by tonometry?
- Glaucoma (elevated intraocular pressure with risk of optic nerve damage).
- Ocular hypertension (increased IOP without optic nerve changes).
- Ocular hypotony (reduced intraocular pressure following surgery or trauma).
Advantages of tonometry in Belarus
- Rapid and accurate measurement of intraocular pressure.
- Painless examination with the option of non-contact techniques.
- Early detection of glaucoma, helping to prevent irreversible vision loss.
In Belarus, tonometry is performed in modern ophthalmology centers equipped with high-precision diagnostic instruments. This method enables timely detection of intraocular pressure abnormalities and reduces the risk of glaucoma development.
This text has been translated using machine translation technology (DeepL API) and may contain inaccuracies.
