What instrument is used to measure eye pressure with a puff of air?

The instrument used to measure eye pressure with a puff of air is the tonometer. This method, specifically known as non-contact tonometry, utilizes a quick burst of air to flatten the cornea temporarily. The amount of air pressure required to achieve this flattening is then measured, giving an estimate of the intraocular pressure. This non-invasive technique is essential for glaucoma screening and monitoring, allowing practitioners to assess the health of the eye without direct contact.

Other choices are not suitable for measuring eye pressure. The ophthalmoscope is designed for examining the interior structures of the eye, particularly the retina. A retinoscope is used for refractive assessment, helping to determine an eye's prescription by assessing how light reflects off the retina. A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure and is unrelated to eye pressure assessments. Each of these instruments serves distinct purposes in eye care and examinations, further highlighting the tonometer's specialized role in measuring intraocular pressure.