Which type of tonometer is commonly mounted on a slit lamp?

The applanation tonometer is commonly mounted on a slit lamp because it provides a direct method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) through a contact technique. This type of tonometry works by flattening a small area of the cornea, and it is precise and reliable for measuring IOP, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like glaucoma. The design of the slit lamp allows for proper illumination and magnification, making it easier for the clinician to assess the eye's condition thoroughly while simultaneously measuring pressure.

The Goldmann tonometer is specifically designed for use with slit lamps, but the applanation tonometer refers more generally to the measurement technique. While both are closely related and often used together, the applanation method is what fits the description of being mounted on the slit lamp, as it utilizes the slit lamp's features to enhance accuracy and visual assessment.

Other tonometers, such as non-contact tonometers and rebound tonometers, typically do not require a slit lamp setup and have different mechanisms, which differentiates their use and compatibility in clinical settings.