Choosing a Tonometer: Schiotz vs Applanation for Your Clinic
Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) is routine in eye care, and the instrument you choose depends on your setting, budget and workflow. The two most common options are the Schiotz (indentation) tonometer and the applanation tonometer. Here’s how they compare for buyers.
Schiotz (indentation) tonometer
A mechanical, power-free instrument that estimates IOP from how much a weighted plunger indents the cornea, read off a calibrated scale.
- Strengths: inexpensive, portable, no power needed — ideal for screening camps, outreach and clinics where simplicity matters.
- Considerations: the patient lies supine; readings are converted via a scale.
- Ships with a calibrated weight set and a test plate. See the Schiotz tonometer.
Applanation tonometer
Measures the force needed to flatten a defined area of the cornea — widely treated as the clinical reference method for IOP.
- Strengths: highly regarded for consistency; typically slit-lamp mounted for the seated patient.
- Considerations: higher cost; usually paired with a slit lamp.
- See the applanation tonometer.
Which should you stock or buy?
| Need | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Field screening / camps / low budget | Schiotz |
| Established clinic, seated workflow | Applanation |
| Both portability and a clinic option | Stock both |
Many distributors carry both to serve different customer segments — camps and rural clinics lean Schiotz; urban practices and hospitals lean applanation.
Source from the manufacturer
Optolab Zone manufactures and exports both tonometers, plus the full ophthalmic range. Tell us quantities and destination and we’ll quote with export terms. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp.