Abstract: The present invention describes apparatus and methods for long-term, repeatable measurement of pressure in vessels by measuring distortion signatures of the external surfaces of a vessel through calibration against a known and verifiable reference standard. It is particularly useful for measuring intraocular pressure, pressure in blood vessels and other physiological pressures. It is also adaptable for measuring pressure changes in virtually any vessel whose external surface is deformable such that pressure changes are transduced to the external surface of the confining vessel, as exemplified by process piping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring internal pressure of a physiological vessel using non-contact contour measurement techniques. A pressure measuring system includes a light or acoustic source for impinging a beam on the vessel surface and a detector for detecting a reflected beam from the vessel surface, the system being mounted proximate to the vessel (e.g., an eye). The apparatus compares changes in vessel surface contour measurements with stored data relating changes in vessel surface contour with calibrated measurements corresponding to internal pressure of the vessel.