Which instrument is used to measure intraocular pressure in glaucoma assessment?

Which instrument is used to measure intraocular pressure in glaucoma assessment?

• A. Slit lamp
• B. Ophthalmoscope
• C. Tonometer
• D. Retinoscope

Answer: (C)

Measuring intraocular pressure is essential in glaucoma assessment because elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve. The instrument designed to quantify this pressure is the tonometer. It works by applying a small, controlled force to the cornea and measuring how it responds, which lets clinicians estimate the pressure inside the eye. The Goldmann applanation tonometer is a common type used with a slit lamp, and other methods include non-contact (air-puff) or rebound tonometers. A slit lamp is a versatile instrument for examining the eye’s anterior structures and can help guide tonometry, but it does not itself measure intraocular pressure. An ophthalmoscope is used to view the retina and optic nerve, and a retinoscope assesses refractive error. Therefore, the device that measures intraocular pressure is the tonometer.

Measuring intraocular pressure is essential in glaucoma assessment because elevated pressure can damage the optic nerve. The instrument designed to quantify this pressure is the tonometer. It works by applying a small, controlled force to the cornea and measuring how it responds, which lets clinicians estimate the pressure inside the eye. The Goldmann applanation tonometer is a common type used with a slit lamp, and other methods include non-contact (air-puff) or rebound tonometers.

A slit lamp is a versatile instrument for examining the eye’s anterior structures and can help guide tonometry, but it does not itself measure intraocular pressure. An ophthalmoscope is used to view the retina and optic nerve, and a retinoscope assesses refractive error. Therefore, the device that measures intraocular pressure is the tonometer.