What is typically the first choice for screening intraocular pressure?

Non-contact tonometry is often the first choice for screening intraocular pressure (IOP) because it is quick, easy to perform, and does not require contact with the patient's eye. This method uses a puff of air to flatten a small portion of the cornea, and the pressure is measured based on the amount of air required to achieve this flattening.

One of the significant advantages of non-contact tonometry is that it can be performed without anesthetic drops, making it more comfortable for the patient, especially during routine screenings. This aspect is particularly beneficial in primary care settings and when screening large populations, as it streamlines the process and minimizes the risk of infection or damage to the cornea.

While other methods such as rebound tonometry and Goldman tonometry are highly accurate and may be used in clinical settings for more precise measurements, non-contact tonometry offers a practical and efficient preliminary screening tool. As such, it is frequently used at the initial stages of an eye examination to identify individuals who may need further evaluation for glaucoma or other conditions affecting intraocular pressure.