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The applanation tonometer is commonly mounted on a slit lamp because of its ability to accurately measure intraocular pressure by assessing the force required to flatten a specific area of the cornea. This method allows for precise measurements while the patient is positioned comfortably in front of the slit lamp, providing a stable platform for examination.

Applanation tonometry is based on the principle that the pressure inside the eye can be determined by the amount of force needed to flatten the corneal surface. This technique is widely used in clinical settings due to its reliability and the fact that it can be performed in conjunction with other slit lamp examinations, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's eye health.

Other tonometer types, such as indentation tonometers, are less commonly used in this context, primarily due to their more invasive nature and the potential for variability in measurements. Non-contact tonometers, while useful for quickly screening patients, do not provide the same level of accuracy as applanation tonometers when mounted on a slit lamp. Dynamic tonometers are less common in routine clinical practice.