What type of tonometer is typically mounted on a slit lamp?

The Goldmann tonometer is typically mounted on a slit lamp because it is designed to provide an accurate measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) while allowing for a detailed examination of the anterior segment of the eye. This device utilizes a method known as applanation tonometry, where a small probe makes contact with the cornea to flatten a small area of it. The amount of force required to achieve this flattening correlates directly with the intraocular pressure.

Its integration with a slit lamp enhances the precision of the measurement, as the slit lamp provides illumination and magnification, facilitating a comprehensive view of the eye during the procedure. This combined functionality makes the Goldmann tonometer a standard tool in clinical practice for evaluating IOP and is considered the gold standard for tonometry.