Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

Which instrument is primarily used for measuring intraocular pressure?

1. Autorefractor

2. Tonometer

3. Ophthalmoscope

4. Retinoscope

The correct answer is: Tonometer

The tonometer is the primary instrument used for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a critical factor in diagnosing and managing glaucoma and other eye conditions. The tonometer works by applying a small amount of pressure to the eye and measuring the resistance. There are various types of tonometers, including applanation and non-contact varieties, each suited for different clinical settings and patient needs. An autorefractor, while useful for assessing refractive errors in vision, does not measure IOP. An ophthalmoscope is employed for examining the interior structures of the eye, such as the retina and optic nerve, and is not designed for pressure assessment. A retinoscope is a tool used to evaluate how light reflects off the retina to help determine refractive errors in vision, but it also does not measure intraocular pressure. Thus, the tonometer stands out as the appropriate instrument for this specific measurement in ophthalmic practice.