What Is Tonometry and Why Is It Important for Eye Health?

দ্য tonometry test, also known as the eye pressure test, measures the intraocular pressure or the pressure inside the eye.

This pressure can help the ophthalmologist determine whether a person may be at risk of developing glaucoma. Intraocular pressure is important in diagnosing, screening, and managing ocular hypertension and glaucoma.

Types of Tonometry Tests

দ্য tonometry test is simple and painless, and can be conducted using various methods, including applanation tonometry, non-contact tonometry, and digital or rebound tonometry.

Applanation Tonometry (Goldmann)

The devices used in Applanation (meaning flattening) test have a small, disk-shaped extension that rests against the eye’s surface.

These devices measure the pressure required to flatten the eye surface. Applanation tonometry is known to be the most accurate tonometry test.

Non-Contact Tonometry (Air Puff Test)

Non-contact tonometry, also known as the air puff test, uses a device to push air at the cornea. The device then measures tiny, split-second changes in the shape of the cornea as the air bounces off its surface.

Digital or Rebound Tonometry

Devices used in the rebound tonometry test have a tiny, plastic ball that moves towards the eye and stops when it touches the surface. In this method, the intraocular pressure is measured when the ball makes a gentle, painless contact.

Why Tonometry Procedure Matters for Eye Health

দ্য tonometry procedure is important for eye health for several reasons. High intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Early Detection of Glaucoma

দ্য tonometry test measures intraocular pressure, which is a key risk factor for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss.

Early detection of elevated intraocular pressure through a tonometry test allows for timely intervention and timely glaucoma treatment. This can help slow down or prevent glaucoma progression.

Monitoring Ongoing Eye Conditions

দ্য tonometry test, also known as the eye pressure test, plays a crucial role in monitoring ongoing eye conditions, particularly glaucoma.

By assessing intraocular pressure, ophthalmologists can evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, identify potential issues early, and prevent vision loss. It can also be useful in monitoring conditions that might affect IOP, such as ইউভাইটিস, an inflammation of the eye’s middle layer.

Preventing Vision Loss

With the help of eye pressure tests, ophthalmologists can assess real-time intraocular pressure. This, in turn, helps determine retinal conditions before symptoms occur, thereby preventing vision loss.

What to Expect During a Tonometry Test

The expectations from a tonometry test can vary depending on the method used to conduct the test. During applanation tonometry, your provider will administer additional eye drops into your eyes, consisting of an anaesthetic and a dye referred to as fluorescein.

However, non-contact tonometers, as well as the majority of other schemes, do not require any of that to operate.

Preparation and Procedure of Tonometry Test

দ্য tonometry test is a simple and fast procedure that measures the pressure inside your eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). The test is essential in detecting and tracking down glaucoma, an eye disease which may fatally harm the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss.

Preparation:

• Remove Contact Lenses: If you are wearing contact lenses, you will likely be required to remove them before the test, as they may interfere with accurate reading.
• Report about Medications: You need to provide information about medications or steroids you may currently take, as some of them may influence IOP.
• Relax and Keep Calm: Maintaining a relaxed state throughout the process can help ensure the generation of accurate results.

Procedure:

Measuring IOP can be achieved in various ways, though the general tonometry procedure is performed in the following manner:

• Desensitization of the Eye: Eye anesthetic drops are typically used to numb the surface of your eye. They reduce discomfort during testing.
• How to Measure Eye Pressure:
  • Applanation Tonometry: This is a tweezer-like device with a flat end that is applied to the cornea (the front surface of the eye), allowing the force needed to flatten it to be measured. This is deemed the most accurate method.
  • Non-Contact Tonometry (Air-Puff Test): A short blast of air is blown on the eye to measure IOP. The measurement is less precise compared with the applanation tonometry test.
  • Rebound Tonometry: This is a simple eye pressure test where a light probe bounces on the cornea to measure IOP.
• The Reading of the Measurement: The tonometer gives a value that shows the pressure of your eye. The reading is commonly understood in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Interpreting Your Eye Pressure Results

Given a regular situation, the tonometry normal range is between 10 and 21 mm Hg. Readings below or above this scale, and especially above the 21 mmHg level, may indicate ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Any readings substantially below 10 mmHg would also raise concern.

How Often Should You Get a Tonometry Test?

The frequency of tonometry tests depends on personal risk factors and age. As a rule, the test should be performed annually or twice a year by healthy adults as part of their routine eye checkup.

But people suffering from glaucoma or who have a family history of glaucoma may need frequent tonometry tests.

Conclusion: Protect Your Vision with Regular Eye Pressure Checks

Tonometry tests play a vital role in detecting elevated intraocular pressure, one of the earliest signs of glaucoma and other serious eye conditions. Regular tonometry screenings can help preserve your vision by enabling early intervention before symptoms appear.

At Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, our experienced ophthalmologists use advanced, contactless tonometry procedures to ensure accurate and comfortable testing for all patients.

If you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or simply wish to prioritise your eye health, now is the time.

Book an appointment today at Dr Agarwal’s and take a proactive step toward protecting your vision for life.