Tonometry: what it is, when it is needed and how it differs from tomography
Let’s talk about diagnosing eye diseases: one relevant diagnostic test is tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure (IOP)
Tonometry can help your doctor determine if you are at risk for glaucoma.
People with glaucoma have elevated intraocular pressure because the fluid inside the eye drains too slowly.
What is tonometry?
Tonometry is a quick test performed by your doctor to measure the pressure inside your eyes.
What is tonometry used for?
Your doctor uses eye tonometry to see if you are at risk of glaucoma.
In people with glaucoma, fluid circulating inside the eye is produced too quickly or drains out too slowly.
As a result, the pressure inside their eyes increases.
If left untreated, the increased eye pressure can eventually impact the optic nerve and cause loss of vision.
Who should undergo a tonometry test?
People who have a high risk of glaucoma should have a tonometry test.
There are several factors that increase the risk of glaucoma, including:
- Family history.
- Age.
- Race.
- History of eye injuries.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Diabetes.
- Migraine.
- Thin corneas.
You should also immediately schedule a consultation with your doctor if you experience:
- Blurred vision.
- Severe or persistent eye pain.
- Tunnel vision.
- Halos around lights.
- Loss of peripheral vision.
Who carries out tonometry tests?
Tonometry tests are performed by eye care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists.
No. There are no risks associated with performing a tonometry test.
What is a normal tonometry range?
Normal eye pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury. This refers to the units used to measure eye pressure).
If your eye pressure is above 21 mm Hg, you may have pre-glaucoma or glaucoma.
Low eye pressure is not usually a cause for concern.
However, the risk of blurred vision increases with eye pressures below 6 mm Hg.
When should I call my doctor?
Tonometry generally causes no side effects.
Therefore, if you notice sudden changes in your vision or experience pain, contact your doctor immediately.
They can perform further tests to determine the problem.
What is the difference between tonometry and tomography?
Tomography is a type of digital imaging.
In ocular health, tomography may refer to a cross-section of the retina or optic nerve.
Tonometry, on the other hand, refers to the test method used to measure pressure inside the eye.
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