You've probably heard of eye pressure before, but do you know what it is? Also known as “Intraocular pressure”, eye pressure is essentially the fluid pressure or force in your eye. This pressure is essential to keep your vision working properly and stay healthy.
Sometimes, the pressure can be too high, and it can lead to glaucoma. That's one of the reasons a pressure test is part of a comprehensive eye exam - to check for any pressure issues and treat accordingly.
How is eye pressure measured?
An optometrist will be able to measure the pressure or your eye in your routine eye exam. It's an important part of the exam. Optometrists measure the pressure using a test called a 'tonometry', which works by gently flattening your cornea (the clear part at the front of your eye). Depending on the force needed to flatten the cornea gives an indication to the pressure level.
A tonometry sounds a little scary, but we promise you, it's not! They're actually conducted most commonly as non-contact. A machine will shoot a brief puff of air and will measure cornea movement.
What does high eye pressure feel like?
High eye pressure, or ocular hypertension, usually doesn't cause any symptoms, which is why it's so important to attend a regular eye exam to be diagnosed early. High pressure doesn't cause symptoms until it's damaged the optic nerve enough to affect vision, which is why it's so important to be diagnosed before it's too late.
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Zephyr Medical is a bulk-billed mobile optometry clinic, servicing the South-East Queensland and Northern NSW regions. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive services to benefit their eye health in the comfort of their own environment or workplace. Get in touch with us today to book an optometrist appointment that suits your schedule.
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