What kind of measurement does a tonometer specifically provide?

A tonometer is a device specifically designed to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. This measurement is critical in the assessment and management of conditions like glaucoma, where elevated IOP can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. By obtaining accurate pressure readings, eye care professionals can monitor the health of the eye and determine the best course of treatment for their patients.

Intraocular pressure is usually measured using various methods such as applanation tonometry, which flattens a small area of the cornea to measure the pressure required to do so. This precise measurement helps in diagnosing and monitoring eye conditions that might not present any immediate symptoms, making tonometers an essential tool in ophthalmology.

Visual acuity tests focus on the clarity of vision, color sensitivity assessments evaluate how well a person can perceive colors, and retinal imaging involves capturing detailed images of the retina to assess its health and conditions. Each of these assessments serves different purposes within the realm of eye care, but they do not provide the specific information on intraocular pressure that a tonometer does.