Tonometry

Tonometry is a test used to determine the fluid pressure inside the eye (intra-ocular pressure), useful in the evaluation of patients at risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the increased fluid pressure causes damage to the optic nerve and blindness. In Singapore, approximately 3% of persons over 50 yrs of age have glaucoma.

This test is useful as a baseline test, and especially for those with underlying disease like diabetes, hypertension, steroid use, and family history of glaucoma. An intra-ocular pressure of >21 mmHg should be followed up with an ophthalmologist.