An applanation tonometer is a device used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor glaucoma, a condition where elevated IOP can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The most widely used type of applanation tonometer is the Goldmann tonometer.This instrument is vital in the field of ophthalmology for the early detection and ongoing management of conditions that could lead to permanent vision loss.