
Overview
This module describes how to test a patient’s intraocular pressure with a Schiotz tonometer.
Indications
Contraindications
Patient information and consent
Always verify your patient’s identity and obtain informed consent before proceeding.
How do I explain this procedure?
“I need to test the pressure in your eyeball with a small scale. It is important to measure the pressure because if it is too high, you may have glaucoma and you could lose your eyesight if it’s not caught early.”
What can my patient expect?
“I will put a numbing drop in your eyes. Lie back and I will place the scale on each eyeball and measure the pressure. It will not hurt at all, but it may be a little uncomfortable.”
What is my patient’s role?
“Try to stay relaxed and keep your eyes open. Keep your eyes focused on one spot on the ceiling and do not look away.”
Preparation

Documentation
Equipment
Site & Positioning
The patient should be supine.
Procedure
Follow medical asepsis without gloves.
Troubleshooting
My patient has an abnormal test result.
Intraocular pressure exceeding 20 mmHg is abnormal. Refer urgently to an ophthalmologist.
I don’t have a conversion table.
Conversion tables are available on the Internet.