Eye pressure test

eye pressure test

An eye pressure test measures the fluid pressure inside the eyeball, which doctors call intraocular pressure. There are different ways to do this, including a gentle puff of air, a quick contact measurement after numbing drops, or a portable handheld device. The test usually only takes a few seconds to perform once the doctor or technician is ready. You might feel a surprising puff of air or a slight touch, but it is generally not painful. Sometimes the test is repeated to make sure the reading is accurate. Measuring eye pressure matters because higher-than-normal pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. However, a normal pressure reading does not guarantee you are free from eye disease, so pressure is one piece of the overall assessment. The results help doctors decide whether you need more testing, monitoring, or treatment such as eye drops. If you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to remove them briefly. Regular checks are important for people at risk so changes can be caught early.