The device i.e. applanation tonometer (2), has a measuring arrangement comprising a measuring body (44) for applanation of an eye. The arrangement has a mechanical coupling between a rotating knob and a pivoting axis (32). A measuring arm (40) is radially fastened at the pivoting axis. The coupling has a thin steel band (12), which is fastened at the pivoting axis via a lever arm (34) and at a rotation axis (8) of a shaft (6) via another lever arm. The steel band is windable during rotation of the knob around the rotation axis of the shaft. An independent claim is also included for a method for determining an intraocular pressure of an eye of a patient.
