Applanation tonometry

Tonometry is a test to measure the fluid pressure inside your eyes. This test is used to screen for glaucoma. It is also used to measure how well glaucoma treatment is working. Applanation tonometry uses a slit lamp with supports for your forehead and chin and a small cone that gently touches your cornea after it has been made numb with eye drops. This cone is used to measure the force (pressure) needed to temporarily flatten a part of your cornea.

Review Date: 8/22/2022

Reviewed By

Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Applanation tonometry