How Do You Spell TONOMETRY?

Pronunciation: [tənˈɒmətɹi] (IPA)

The word "Tonometry" is a medical term used to measure the pressure inside the eye. It is pronounced as /təˈnɑːmətri/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as "tuh" with a short "u" sound, the second syllable is pronounced as "nah" with a long "a" sound, and the last syllable is pronounced as "muh-tree" with the emphasis on the second syllable. The correct spelling of this word is important in the medical field to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication between professionals.

TONOMETRY Meaning and Definition

1. Tonometry is a medical diagnostic test used to measure the pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). It is an essential examination for the evaluation and management of various eye conditions, particularly glaucoma, a progressive eye disease that can lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

   The procedure involves the use of a tonometer, an instrument designed to measure the force required to flatten a small area of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) when gentle pressure is applied. There are different types of tonometry techniques, with the most common being applanation tonometry and non-contact tonometry.

   Applanation tonometry involves the application of a probe or tonometer tip to the cornea after numbing drops have been instilled. The device measures the amount of force required to flatten a small area of the cornea, providing a numerical value indicative of the intraocular pressure. Non-contact tonometry, on the other hand, uses a puff of air to temporarily flatten the cornea, and the instrument then calculates the intraocular pressure based on the amount of corneal deformation caused.

   Tonometry is a quick and painless procedure performed by an eye care professional, typically an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Its main purpose is to detect and monitor elevated intraocular pressure, as increased pressure is a primary risk factor for glaucoma. By obtaining accurate IOP measurements through tonometry, appropriate treatment plans can be established to control the eye's pressure and prevent or slow down vision loss.

2. The measurement of the tension of a part, as intraocular or intravascular tension.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TONOMETRY

• Tnnometry

Etymology of TONOMETRY

The word "tonometry" comes from the combination of two root words: "tono" and "metry".

The prefix "tono" is derived from the Greek word "tonos", which means "tension" or "pressure". This root word is commonly used in medical terminology to depict the measurement of pressure in various systems of the body.

The suffix "metry" is also derived from the Greek word "metron", meaning "measurement". It is often used to form the names of processes or techniques associated with measurement in different fields.

Therefore, "tonometry" refers to the measurement of pressure, specifically in the context of eye examinations. It is commonly used in ophthalmology to assess the pressure within the eyeball, which is critical for the diagnosis and management of conditions such as glaucoma.

Plural form of TONOMETRY is TONOMETRIES