Eye pressure test
tonometry · eye pressure check · intraocular pressure · glaucoma test
The doctor measures the pressure of the fluid inside your eye. It is quick and usually painless.
To find glaucoma early: usually after age 40, if glaucoma runs in your family, before treatment with some medicines, and to check treatment you already have.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Lenses. Contact lenses are taken out before the test. Bring your case and solution.
- Drops. If you use glaucoma drops, do not stop them on your own. Ask your doctor whether to use them on the test day.
- Eyes. It is best to come without eye makeup.
What to bring
- Your glasses and lens case
- Your eye drops, or their names
- Past test results
How it goes
- You sit at the machine and rest your chin on the support
- Air puff method: the machine blows a quick puff of air at your eye
- Contact method: numbing drops are put in first
- Then the device touches the surface of your eye for a second
- Both eyes are measured, sometimes several times
What you'll feel
- The air puff is a sudden, light pop. It does not hurt
- With the contact method, the drops sting a little, and you hardly feel the touch
Afterwards
- You usually get the result right away
- After numbing drops, do not rub your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes
- You can usually put your lenses back in after 15 to 30 minutes. Check with your doctor
- If your pressure is high, the doctor will order more tests
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Sudden severe eye pain, redness, blurry vision and rainbow rings around lights, headache and nausea: see a doctor urgently or call emergency services
Common questions
Does an eye pressure test hurt?
No. The puff of air is just a surprise. With the contact method, the eye is numbed with drops first.
Can I notice high eye pressure myself?
Usually not. Glaucoma causes no symptoms for a long time. That is why regular pressure checks are usually advised after age 40.