Eye Pressure Screening: A Simple Test That Can Save Your Vision
When talking about eye pressure screening, a quick, painless test that measures the pressure inside your eye. Also known as intraocular pressure (IOP) test, it helps spot problems before they cause permanent damage.
One of the biggest reasons doctors recommend this test is glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often linked to high eye pressure. If glaucoma goes unnoticed, it can lead to irreversible vision loss. Regular eye pressure screening catches pressure spikes early, giving you a chance to start treatment and keep your sight safe.
How the Test Works and Who Performs It
The most common method is tonometry, a technique that uses a small puff of air or a gentle probe to gauge eye pressure. The device gives an instant reading, and the whole process takes less than a minute. Your ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specialized in eye care or a trained optometrist usually performs the test during a routine eye exam.
Even if you feel fine, the test can reveal hidden issues. Many people don’t notice glaucoma until it’s advanced because the condition often has no symptoms. That’s why eye doctors suggest screening especially if you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or belong to a high‑risk group such as people of African or Asian descent.
Beyond glaucoma, eye pressure screening can also help monitor other eye conditions like ocular hypertension, where pressure is high but there’s no optic nerve damage yet. Tracking pressure trends over time lets your eye care professional adjust medications or recommend lifestyle tweaks, such as staying active and managing stress, which can influence eye pressure.
So what should you expect after the test? If your pressure is normal, you’ll likely be advised to have another screening in a year or two. If it’s high, your ophthalmologist might prescribe eye drops, suggest laser therapy, or schedule more frequent follow‑ups. The key takeaway is that a simple screening can guide a personalized plan to protect your vision.
Below you’ll find a range of articles covering everything from medication choices for eye pressure control to lifestyle tips that support healthy eyes. Whether you’re looking for the latest on glaucoma treatments or just want to understand how tonometry feels, the posts ahead give you practical, easy‑to‑follow information.
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