The Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT), often called the "air puff" tonometer, is a fast and essential diagnostic instrument used for measuring Intraocular Pressure (IOP) without requiring topical anesthesia or direct corneal contact.
A fundamental instrument in preliminary eye screening and mass health programs, the NCT is essential for quickly checking IOP, a critical risk factor for glaucoma. This device works by directing a puff of air onto the central cornea and measuring the time it takes for the pressure of the air to flatten a specific area. This technique allows eye care professionals to obtain reliable pressure readings with minimal patient discomfort, making it ideal for routine check-ups and screening large populations.
The NCT features an automated alignment system and a microprocessor-controlled air jet. This setup ensures that IOP assessment is rapid, sanitary (as nothing touches the eye), and easily performed by technical staff, making it an indispensable tool in high-volume optometry and ophthalmology practices. Its non-invasive nature and speed significantly improve clinical throughput and patient compliance, especially with children or anxious patients.
Because of its ability to provide quick, hygienic, and non-anesthetic IOP measurements, the Non-Contact Tonometer is a crucial initial instrument in glaucoma screening. Its vital role in filtering high-risk patients for further definitive testing ensures early detection and effective management of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, leading to the preservation of vision.
