A computer-implemented method for accurate determination of intraocular pressure (IOP) and characterization of mechanical properties of a cornea is provided that includes measuring a cornea with a probe tonometer to produce at least force versus displacement data over a range of applied forces; and forming a model of corneal constitutive parameters, with a computer having a processor, based on the data obtained by the probe tonometer to more accurately determine IOP and characterize mechanical properties of the cornea, wherein the computer is coupled with the probe tonometer.