Ace the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam 2025 – Eye-Opener Prep for Your Bright Future!

Rebound tonometry is a technique that provides a minimally invasive measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) with very limited displacement of fluid. This method uses a small, lightweight probe that bounces off the cornea. The probe's rebound provides a measurement based on the corneal response to the brief contact with the surface. Since it doesn't require the application of a significant amount of fluid or any anesthetic drops, it minimizes the risk of discomfort and alteration of the tear film, ensuring a gentle approach to assessing IOP.

In contrast, applanation tonometry, which is commonly used in clinical settings, involves flattening a small area of the cornea, displacing a larger volume of tear film to obtain a reading. This technique requires a local anesthetic and a heavier application of pressure on the eye surface. Gonioscopy is unrelated to measuring IOP and is used primarily to examine the angle of the anterior chamber. Indentation tonometry, while also a method of measuring IOP, causes more considerable fluid displacement compared to rebound tonometry. Thus, rebound tonometry is favored for its minimal impact on ocular fluid dynamics.