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

The type of tonometer that is typically mounted on a slit lamp is the applanation tonometer. This device measures intraocular pressure by flattening a small area of the cornea. The slit lamp provides a stable platform and excellent magnification, allowing for precise alignment and measurement during the procedure. Applanation tonometry is considered a gold standard in clinical settings for assessing eye pressure due to its accuracy and reliability.

Other types of tonometers, such as rebound and non-contact tonometers, are designed for different applications and settings. Rebound tonometers are portable devices that do not require topical anesthesia and use a small probe that makes brief contact with the cornea. Non-contact tonometers, often referred to as "air puff" tonometers, assess pressure without any contact with the eye, making them less invasive but potentially less precise in certain cases. Digital tonometers are units that use electronic methods to measure IOP but may not be specifically mounted on a slit lamp setup. Each of these options serves specific needs in ocular health assessments but does not typically involve mounting on a slit lamp.