Eye Didn't Know!

Measuring Eye Pressure

Did you know? Until 1905 there was no objective way to measure pressure within the eye. In that year, Norwegian ophthalmologist Hjalmar Schiotz invented the first tonometer, which now bears his name, the Schiotz tonometer.

Until this time, doctors estimated pressure within the eye by pushing on the eye through the eyelid, and guessing, much like you might push on a bicycle tire with your thumb and guess the pressure. The Schiotz tonometer actually works in much the same way, it measures the weight necessary to indent the cornea a standard amount.

Knowing the pressure more accurately allows us to better diagnose and treat glaucoma, a disease usually caused by elevated eye pressure damaging the optic nerve.

The Schiotz tonometer is still used in many parts of the world, and when I trained, it was what most doctors used as a portable tonometer.

Did you also know? Dr. Schiotz was also responsible for introducing the concept of sterilizing surgical instruments (by boiling) to Norway.

Famous ophthalmologists

Did you know? Many ophthalmologists have become renowned for other pursuits. Jose Rizal was a Filipino ophthalmologist who became a martyr for the cause of independence from Spain. Dean Edell completed an ophthalmology residency at UCSD before becoming a syndicated radio advice doctor. Howard Shatz was a prominent retina specialist who gave up his practice after he became a renowned art photographer. Renee Richards is a practicing ophthalmologist in New York City, who became famous after joining the women’s professional tennis circuit.

Did you also know? Anton Chekhov and Arthur Conan Doyle were physicians who became famous as authors.

portrait of Arthur Conan Doyle, courtesy wikipedia (public domain)