Are you considering contact vs non-contact tonometry? If so, the experts at Keeler can help! We’ve proudly led the field in tonometry since the introduction of the Pulsair in 1987. Since then, we have continued to innovate by providing four cutting-edge generations of the product. With each generation, we’ve accomplished milestones in innovation and delivered you with the most reliable and accurate tools.

At Keeler, we offer an entire line of contact and noncontact tonometers to help you provide your patients with the highest level of care possible. Continue reading to learn more about contact vs noncontact tonometry.

Contact vs Non-contact Tonometry

The tonometry test is designed to measure the pressure inside of a patient’s eye, which is called the intraocular pressure (IOP). This relatively routine test is utilized to check for glaucoma, which is a ocular disease that can result in blindness due to damage to the nerve in the rear of the eye. This damage is the result of fluid buildup when the eye doesn’t drain properly.

Contact Tonometry

With contact tonometry, a tiny probe is used to gently flatten a portion of the cornea to measure the pressure in the patient’s eye; while the slit lamp is used to view the eye. Eye pressure is quantified by calculating the amount of pressure used to flatten the cornea. Applanation Tonometry or contact tonometry is widely practiced, exceptionally accurate, and is regularly used after an IOP screening test — like noncontact tonometry — discovers a heightened IOP.

Noncontact Tonometry
Just as the name suggests, Pneumotonometry, noncontact, or air-puff tonometry doesn’t physically touch the patient’s eye to flatten it. Instead, it uses a puff of air to achieve the desired results.

What’s the Best Way to Check IOP — Contact vs NonContact Tonometry?

The most effective way to test IOP is through contact tonometry. In most instances, noncontact tonometry is used as a fast and easy way to check whether a patient has normal or high IOP. If the eye practitioner suspects high IOP through noncontact tonometry, it’s usually best to confirm the IOP and get a more accurate reading through contact tonometry. One of the reasons why noncontact is faster is because it doesn’t require numbing eye drops.

The Best Contact Tonometers

As leaders in the industry, Keeler offers the best and most accurate contact tonometers. For more than 90 years, we have continued to design, innovate, and manufacture state-of-the-art ophthalmic instruments. The Keeler Applanation Tonometer (KAT) is one example of our dedication to excellence.

The KAT is engineered with precision machined components continually tested with stringent quality controls. Each KAT uses the widely-accepted Goldmann applanation principle. You can choose from two different KAT models:

​The Best Non-contact Tonometers

Back in 1986, the Pulsair Tonometer transformed non-contact tonometry. This innovative system was a portable, handheld system that introduced an entirely new level of patient care. Most importantly, this modern marvel gave practitioners more time and space.

Today, the Pulsair and non-contact tonometer have become synonymous. Our fifth generation IntelliPuff handheld model combines everything practitioners have come to love with a new contemporary style and new technologies. At Keeler Ophthalmic Instruments, we proudly offer two different non-contact tonometers: Pulsair Desktop Tonometer & Pulsair intelliPuff Tonometer.

Pulsair Desktop Non-contact Tonometer

The Pulsair Desktop was designed with eye practitioners as well as patients in mind. The tonometer head features a slim profile that allows allow you to maintain visual contact throughout the exam, which can help reduce patient anxiety. Even the most novice user will have the confidence to make accurate and rapid measurements due to the ultra smooth alignment system and color alignment screen.
Learn more about the Pulsair Desktop Non-contact Tonometer.  

Pulsair intelliPuff Non-contact Tonometer

The Pulsair intelliPuff non-contact Tonometer provides accurate, fast results without incurring costs from daily consumables. Featuring an exclusive LED technology, the cost of your investment will not increase.
The Keeler intelligent puff system gives eye practitioners a quantum leap forward in ease of use and accuracy. This world-class system embodies optical technology and electronic innovation to deliver you the accuracy, speed, and ease of use you and your patients deserve.

Most importantly, the Pulsair intelliPuff non-contact tonometer is gentle and smart! If the patient has higher pressures, the Pulsair intelliPuff will automatically increase for the subsequent measurement. In addition, this system uses less than 50% of the space used by other non-contact tonometers — and is the only model that can be wall mounted.
Learn more about the Pulsair inteliPuff non-contact tonometer.

Contact Keeler for the Best Contact & Noncontact Tonometry Instruments

Whether you’re looking for the best contact tonometers or the best non-contact tonometers, Keeler Ophthalmic Instruments will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. We bring more than a century of experience creating reliable, efficient, and accurate instruments.
Contact Keeler Ophthalmic Instruments today.