Protecting Your Vision: The Importance of an Eye Pressure Test

Name: Abasa Optical
Address: 18730 Fraser Hwy #202, Surrey, BC, V3S 7Y4, CA
Telephone: 604-575-9141

Eye exam at Abasa Optical in Surrey for accurate eye pressure testing.

Posted on: Mar 29, 2025 by Author: Abasa Optical in Eye Health

When was the last time you had an eye exam? While many people focus on getting their vision checked for glasses or contacts, the eye pressure test is another crucial test that often goes unnoticed. This simple yet essential screening can help detect severe eye conditions like glaucoma before they cause permanent vision loss.

If you’re in Surrey and due for an eye exam, visiting Abasa Optical, your trusted eye optometry clinic in Surrey, can ensure your eye health is in top shape. This blog will explain an eye pressure test, why it matters, and what you can expect during the procedure. Let’s dive in!

Contents

Why Is Eye Pressure Important?

Have you ever heard your optometrist talk about ‘eye pressure’ but weren’t sure what it meant?

Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Keeping your IOP within a healthy range is essential for preserving vision and preventing conditions, a severe eye disease that can lead to vision loss.

How Is IOP Measured?

During a routine eye exam, your optometrist will conduct a tonometry test to measure your IOP and monitor for any changes. A rise in eye pressure can stress the optic nerve and increase the risk of glaucoma, making regular testing an important part of eye care.

Types of Tonometry Tests

Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

This is the most widely used and reliable method for measuring IOP.

For this test, your optometrist will first apply numbing drops to your eyes to prevent discomfort. Then, a small amount of non-toxic dye is placed on your lower lid. You will rest your head against a slit lamp—a device that provides proper lighting and magnification.

Your optometrist will gently touch the surface of your eye with a unique tool, applying slight pressure to flatten a tiny section of your cornea. The amount of force needed to flatten the cornea determines your eye pressure.

Non-Contact Tonometry (Air-Puff Test)

This test works similarly to the Goldmann test but uses a quick pulse of air instead of direct contact to flatten a small part of the cornea.

Rebound Tonometry

This method involves placing a small probe against the cornea and measuring how your eye responds. Some portable devices do not require numbing drops and can be used at home for regular monitoring.

Tonometer or Tonopen

A handheld device that touches the cornea to assess indentation and measure IOP. This method does require numbing drops for comfort.

Abasa Optical – Your Trusted Eye Care Clinic in Surrey

For a comprehensive eyewear experience, visit Abasa Optical in Clayton Heights, Surrey, BC. Our team provides expert eye care, including advanced services like an eye test with air puff in Surrey for precise eye pressure measurement.

Book your appointment here and see the difference!

Conclusion: Prioritize Your Eye Health with Regular Exams

Your vision is invaluable, and routine eye pressure tests are crucial in detecting conditions like glaucoma early. Comprehensive checkups are even more essential for older adults. If you’re due for an eye exam, consider scheduling senior eye exams in Surrey to ensure your eye health is well cared for. Contact Abasa Optical at 604-575-9141 to book the appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Eye Pressure Stay the Same Throughout the Day?

No. Eye pressure fluctuates throughout the day, often peaking in the morning. A single measurement during an exam provides only a snapshot of your IOP.

IOP variations can be a concern for those at risk of glaucoma. Your optometrist may recommend at-home monitoring or more frequent eye exams to track changes. If possible, schedule your eye exam in the morning when pressure is typically at its highest.

What Causes High Eye Pressure?

Aqueous humour—the fluid inside your eye—constantly circulates, playing a vital role in eye health by:

Lubricating the lens muscles and fibres
Delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cornea
Removing waste from the cornea
Helping maintain corneal shape

As new fluid is produced, older fluid drains through the anterior angle, where the cornea meets the iris. From there, it exits via the uveoscleral drains and trabecular meshwork before being absorbed into the body.

Fluid buildup can increase eye pressure if the drainage system becomes blocked or inefficient.

What Happens if Eye Pressure Stays High?

If IOP remains elevated (15-25 mmHg) for too long without treatment, the pressure can gradually damage the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss.

Sometimes, IOP can spike suddenly to 30 mmHg or even 40 mmHg. This is often linked to angle-closure glaucoma or eye trauma, and it can cause severe optic nerve damage without warning.

When Should You Get a Tonometry Test?

A tonometry test is typically included in your annual eye exam. However, your optometrist may recommend more frequent testing if you:

Have symptoms suggesting IOP changes
Are you using steroid medication (e.g., after cataract surgery)
Are at risk of glaucoma
Have been diagnosed with, or are at risk for, iritis or retinal detachment

What are the symptoms of high eye pressure

Certain symptoms could indicate high IOP but may also stem from other eye conditions. If you experience any of the following, your optometrist will conduct a tonometry test to rule out glaucoma:

Severe eye pain
Redness
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Gradual peripheral vision loss
Tunnel vision

If you notice these symptoms, book an eye exam immediately.

What is considered normal eye pressure?

Normal eye pressure typically falls between 12 and 22 mmHg. If your IOP measures above 20 mmHg, your optometrist may investigate further to assess your risk of glaucoma.

However, it’s important to note that glaucoma can still develop even when IOP is within the normal range. That’s why routine eye exams are crucial for detecting changes in your eye health.

High IOP can sometimes result from eye injuries, inflammation, or other conditions. Your optometrist will consider all factors to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of action.

Written by Abasa Optical

If there is one thing you can expect when you visit Abasa Optical, it’s that we love eyeglasses! Getting to help you style and fit your frames isn’t just our job; it’s our passion. And we’ve developed a keen eye to know when a pair of glasses look great on you.

We keep our ears on the ground for all the latest styles and trends, looking for high-quality frames and lenses from distinguished designers from all over the world, including Italy, France, Slovenia, and beyond.

But that’s not all. We also offer on-site eye exams thanks to the wonderful Dr. Rohit Sachdeva and his on-site practice at Hillcrest Village Optometry.

So if you’re looking for the complete eyewear experience, look no further than Abasa Optical.