Tonometry

Introduction

• Measurement of intra-ocular pressure.

Uses

• To determine whether glaucoma is present.
• To monitor changes in intra-ocular pressure on glaucoma treatment.
• To determine whether uveitis is present.

Advantages

• Allows definitive diagnosis of glaucoma.
• Allows accurate monitoring of response to treatment.

Disadvantages

• Expense of applanation tonometer.
• Difficulty of use of indentation tonometer.

Requirements

Materials required

Minimum equipment

• Schiotz tonometer.

Ideal equipment

• Tonopen tonometer.

Minimum consumables

• Sterile cap for tip of Tonopen.

Sources

Publications

• Miller P E & Pickett J P (1992) Comparison of human and canine Schiotz tonometry conversion tables in clinically normal dogs. JAVMA 201 , 1021.
• Priehs D R, Gum G G, Whiteley R D & Moore L E (1990) Evaluation of three applanation tonometers in dogs. Am J Vet Res 51 , 1547-1550.