An eye pressure test, or tonometry, measures the pressure of the fluid inside the eye to help detect conditions such as glaucoma. It is a routine part of many eye examinations.
How it is Performed
Eye pressure can be measured using different techniques, including a puff of air on the cornea or a small probe that briefly touches the anaesthetised eye surface. The device calculates intraocular pressure based on how the cornea responds.
- Usually quick and painless
- May use numbing drops when contact methods are employed
- Results are recorded in millimetres of mercury
- Often repeated over time to monitor trends
Why it Matters
Abnormally high or low eye pressure can damage the optic nerve or indicate other eye problems. Monitoring pressure helps identify people at risk and guides decisions about treatment and follow-up.
- Raised pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma
- Individual target pressures may be set in diagnosed patients
- Readings can vary with time of day, medications, and corneal properties
- Eye pressure is interpreted together with optic nerve and visual field findings
