What instruments are used to measure intraocular pressure?

The correct answer is the instrument known as tonometers. Tonometers are specifically designed to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), which is crucial in diagnosing and managing glaucoma and other conditions that may affect the eye. This measurement helps to assess the health of the eyes and can indicate whether further evaluation or treatment is necessary.

Tonometers come in several varieties, including non-contact (air puff) tonometers and contact tonometers, each providing important data about the pressure within the eye. This information is vital, as elevated intraocular pressure is a primary risk factor for glaucoma, making regular monitoring essential in eye care.

In contrast, the other instruments listed do not serve this purpose. Ophthalmoscopes are utilized for examining the retina and other structures at the back of the eye, allowing healthcare providers to assess conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal detachments. Retinoscopes help in determining refractive errors by evaluating how light reflects off the retina; they play a critical role in fitting glasses or contact lenses but do not measure pressure. Pupillometers measure the size and reactivity of the pupils, which can provide insight into neurological function and other conditions, but they do not assess intraocular pressure at all. Thus, the tonometer