Which type of tonometer is mounted on a slit lamp?

The type of tonometer that is mounted on a slit lamp is the applanation tonometer. This device measures intraocular pressure by flattening a small portion of the cornea. The principle behind applanation tonometry is based on the relationship between the force required to flatten the cornea and the pressure within the eye. When the tonometer tip comes into contact with the cornea, the amount of force applied is measured, allowing healthcare providers to determine the internal pressure of the eye accurately.

This method is considered a standard for measuring intraocular pressure due to its reliability and the ability to obtain precise measurements while performing slit lamp examinations, allowing for a thorough evaluation of the anterior segment of the eye simultaneously. Other tonometry methods, like indentation or air puff, are not typically mounted on slit lamps and may involve different techniques that do not allow for the same level of direct observation or stability as an applanation tonometer on a slit lamp.