Eye (Intraocular) Pressure: What It Is & How It’s Measured

When it comes to protecting your vision, many people focus on how clearly they see or whether their eyes feel comfortable. One important factor that often goes unnoticed is eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Understanding what eye pressure is and how it’s measured can help you better appreciate why routine eye exams are essential for long-term eye health.

What Is Intraocular Pressure?

Intraocular pressure refers to the pressure created by the fluid inside your eye. This fluid, called aqueous humor, is constantly produced and drained to nourish eye tissues and maintain the eye’s shape. When the production and drainage of this fluid are balanced, eye pressure stays within a healthy range.

If fluid drains too slowly or is produced too quickly, pressure inside the eye can rise. Elevated eye pressure doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, but over time it can damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. This type of damage is commonly associated with glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss when left untreated.

How Is Eye Pressure Measured?

Measuring eye pressure is a routine and painless part of a comprehensive eye exam. There are several methods your eye doctor may use, depending on your needs and the equipment available.

• Applanation Tonometry: This is considered the gold standard for measuring eye pressure. After numbing your eyes with drops, a small device gently touches the surface of the eye to measure the force needed to flatten a tiny area of the cornea. The procedure is quick and highly accurate.

• Non-Contact Tonometry: Often called the “air puff” test, this method uses a brief puff of air directed at the eye. The device measures how the cornea responds to the air, which helps estimate eye pressure. While it may startle some patients, it is fast and does not require eye drops.

• Handheld Tonometry: Portable devices can be used to measure eye pressure, especially for children, individuals with special needs, or patients who cannot sit comfortably at standard equipment. These devices are also gentle and typically use numbing drops for comfort.

Why Monitoring Eye Pressure Matters

Because elevated eye pressure rarely causes symptoms in its early stages, regular eye exams are the best way to detect potential problems before vision is affected. Monitoring IOP over time allows your eye doctor to identify changes early and recommend appropriate treatment if needed. Early detection is key to preventing irreversible vision loss related to glaucoma and other eye conditions.

Protect Your Vision From Glaucoma with Eyecare Center of Martin

Eye pressure plays a vital role in maintaining healthy vision, even though you may never feel it or notice changes on your own. Understanding what intraocular pressure is and how it’s measured highlights the importance of routine eye care. Regular exams allow eye care professionals to track your eye pressure, evaluate your overall eye health, and protect your sight for years to come.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Eyecare Center of Martin to have your eye pressure accurately measured and your eyes thoroughly evaluated for early signs of glaucoma. Visit our office in Martin, Tennessee, or call (731) 587-3555 to book an appointment today.