Intraocular pressure (IOP) is important in diagnosing and managing glaucoma. High IOP has been directly linked with damage to the optic nerve leading to visual field loss, thus can be one of the first indications that you may have glaucoma. Testing your eye pressure is an important part of every exam.

There are many different ways to test intraocular pressures. The standard procedure for glaucoma patients is Goldmann applanation tonometry. This is commonly known as the "blue light" test. This test is the most reliable and accurate way to measure pressures. Other instruments used to measure pressure are the Tonopen and a non-contact tonometer also known as the "air puff" test.

Normal pressure is a reading under 21mmHg, but this can be misleading. In normal or low tension glaucoma in which the pressure has always been below 21mmHg, the person still develops optic nerve damage and subsequent visual field loss.

It is essential for every person to have a dilated retinal exam and eye pressures measured at least once a year. People who have been diagnosed with glaucoma should be seen regularly throughout the year for eye pressure checks.

---

What Is Glaucoma? | Types of Glaucoma | Diagnosing Glaucoma | Treatments | Research & Links | Glaucoma Home

---

---

	URL: http://www.opt.indiana.edu/clinics/pteduc/glaucoma/tono.htm Revised: August 2, 2002
	IU Optometry home page: http://www.opt.indiana.edu/ Comments: Web Administrator Page design and coding: Terri Greene Copyright © 2002, The Trustees of Indiana University