Overview of Intraocular Pressure Testing

About 10 million people in the United States suffer from glaucoma, according to Medicine Net. This eye disease is detected by testing the eyes for increased pressure. Intraocular pressure testing is known as tonometry testing. If undetected, glaucoma can cause a loss of central vision.

Pressure

• Tonometry testing is the method by which optometrists measure the amount of pressure in the eye. This is accomplished by measuring the tone or firmness on the surface of the eye.

How it Works

• Performing intraocular testing requires the eye to be anesthetized with eye drops. The testing device is known as a tonometer and it lightly touches the surface of the eye during the procedure, making a small indention on the cornea. Resistance to the indention is measured by the tonometer.

Interpreting the Test Results

• The firmer the tone of the eye, the higher the pressure reading will be, indicating the presence of glaucoma. Lower pressure readings indicate that the patient does not have glaucoma. However, very low pressure readings indicate the cornea of the eye is thin. A thin cornea often gives a low pressure reading, which can be false and requires further monitoring for glaucoma.