We utilize a rebound tonometer, which determines intraocular pressures in our patients, by bouncing a small plastic-tipped metal probe against the cornea. As the probe bounces against the cornea and back into the device, it creates an induction current from which the intraocular pressure is calculated.
This device is pain-free and does not require any generalized or topical anesthetic protocols. Intraocular pressure is important to eye health, and significant increases in pressure can lead to pain, vision loss, and sometimes even eye rupture. It can also tell us about diseases, most notably glaucoma (which raises IOP), and uveitis (which decreases IOP).