Noncontact (or air-puff) tonometry does not touch your eye but uses a puff of air to flatten your cornea. This type of tonometry is not the best way to measure intraocular pressure. But it is often used as a simple way to check for high IOP and is the easiest way to test children.

Is tonometry painful?

Because your eye is numb, you'll feel no pain during this procedure. Tonometry is extremely safe. However, there's a very small risk that your cornea could be scratched when the tonometer touches your eye.

Does an eye pressure test hurt?

Although the test is not painful, and it only takes a few minutes for each eye, if you are overly anxious or tired, you may not be able to perform the test reliably. Also, the test may require some learning experience, and therefore may need to be repeated.