Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Practice Test 2026 - Free COT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Air puff tonometry, also known as non-contact tonometry, is most likely to produce a falsely elevated intraocular pressure reading due to the nature of the measurement technique. This method uses a rapid puff of air directed at the cornea, which causes a deformation of the corneal surface. The measurement is based on how the cornea responds to this air puff. Factors such as corneal thickness, rigidity, and the presence of any corneal abnormalities can significantly influence the results.

In patients with thicker corneas, the air puff may result in higher pressure readings than what is actually present, leading to a false elevation in intraocular pressure. Additionally, this method can also be affected by the patient's level of cooperation and anxiety, which may further skew the results. These factors make air puff tonometry less reliable in accurately measuring intraocular pressure compared to other techniques, such as Goldmann tonometry or indentation tonometry, which provide a more direct and moderated assessment.