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Eye Pressure Testing
Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), is an important
aspect of overall eye health and can be used to detect eye conditions
and diseases.
Read on to find out more about how your eye
pressure is measured and when you should get yours tested.
What is an eye pressure test?
An eye pressure test is performed by an optometrist or a trained optical dispenser, commonly using an NCT (non-contact tonometer). It is a part of the pretesting routine and is used to determine the health of your eye. It may be performed in a kid’s eye test but this is unlikely.
What is eye pressure?
Increased pressure occurs in the eye when a fluid called aqueous humor does not drain properly. Rising pressure in the eyes can potentially damage your optic nerve and cause glaucoma.
Source: American Academy of OphthalmologyWhen should I get my eye pressure tested?
An eye pressure test is part of a comprehensive eye test that you should have regularly. We recommend you should have an eye test at least once every two years or, if you are over the age of 65, annually.
How is an eye pressure test performed?
There are multiple tests eye care professionals use to measure eye pressure depending on the patient's needs or the equipment they have. Below are the three main types of eye pressure tests.
Non-Contact Tonometry
At Oscar Wylee, our qualified optometrists use the NCT method to test
your intraocular eye pressure which is the internal pressure of the eye.
It is part of the pretesting routine and is built into the
autorefractor.
Non-contact tonometry, also known as air puff
tonometry, uses a rapid air pulse that flattens your cornea. The time
when your eye becomes flat is how the pressure is measured, which is
derived from the monitored reflection of an incident infrared light.
Applanation Tonometry
In the applanation tonometry procedure, the eyes are numbed using drops with dye in them and your head will be positioned on a slit lamp, a diagnostic tool used in ocular examinations. The eye pressure is measured using a small tip that gently touches the surface of the eye.
Rebound Tonometry
This test uses a small, plastic-tipped probe to test the pressure of your eye. The probe bounces gently against the cornea without the need for numbing eye drops. Rebound Tonometry is often used for children or for patients who are unable to have more traditional eye pressure tests performed.
Source: BrightFocus FoundationFor more information about these tests and other tests performed by optometrists, read our eye test glossary.
Need to have your eyes tested?
Book an appointment with an Oscar Wylee optometrist.
What does an eye pressure test measure?
As the name suggests, an eye pressure test measures the pressure in your eye as a result of fluid buildup and is used to evaluate your eye health. Eye pressure can find signs of optic nerve damage and glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause blindness.
Does an eye pressure test hurt your eye?
An eye pressure test is not harmful to your eyes. If your optometrist is using the NCT method, it will be tested using a puff of air which may feel odd but is not painful. Numbing eye drops will also be applied for certain tests to ensure there is no discomfort.
Who performs an eye pressure test?
At Oscar Wylee, our optometrists or optical dispensers will perform an eye pressure test. An ophthalmologist can also perform eye pressure tests. This occurs before the main test with your optometrist where they will test your eyes and provide an eye prescription if needed.
What is the normal range for eye pressure?
While everyone’s eye pressure is different there is a general range that they fall into. The normal span of eye pressure is between 10 and 21 mmHg (millimetres of mercury).
Source: American Academy of OphthalmologyWhat are the symptoms of high pressure in the eye?
If you have slightly high eye pressure, you are not likely to notice any symptoms, but if the pressure is very high you may experience nausea, vomiting or pain in and around the eye.
Find a store near you
Visit your local Oscar Wylee and our friendly staff will assist you with all your optical needs.
Bulk billed eye tests at Oscar Wylee
We recommend that everyone should have an eye test with an optometrist at least once every 2 years.