Everything You Need To Know About Ocular Tonometry


Ocular or intraocular tonometry is a part of the standard eye examination. An optical clinic in Edmonton performs this examination to measure the ocular pressure and determine if the pressure is under control and your eyes are healthy. This eye examination also identifies if you have any chances of developing glaucoma. Let’s take a look at ocular tonometry in detail.

Preparation Before The Test

Before you undergo an ocular tonometry eye examination, you must ensure that you remove your lenses. If you are unable to see without the lenses, you must wear glasses for clear vision. You should also avoid wearing clothes that are tight around your neck. If you wear a t-shirt or a shirt that is tight around the neck, it might result in increased ocular pressure. If someone in your family ever had glaucoma, you should inform the optometrist about the same.

Undergoing Ocular Tonometry

An ocular tonometry eye examination usually takes a couple of minutes. A benefit of this eye examination is that it can be performed in several ways. Some of the most common ways of conducting ocular tonometry are:

1. Applanation Method

In this method, the optometrist uses eye drops that make your eyes numb. Your eyes don’t feel anything, and the tonometer can perform the test efficiently.

2. Electronic Indentation Method

In this process again drops are used, and the optometrist uses an electronic tonometer and touches your eye to take readings and determine the status of your eyes.

3. Non-contact Method

In this method, eye drops are not used, and you are made to stare into a machine. The tonometer does not make any contact with your eyes and takes reading automatically.

You should consult your optometrist about what type of ocular tonometry would be suitable for your eyes depending on your eye health. Another substantial benefit of this eye examination is that it does not cause any eye pain except a slight scratchy sensation in your cornea which subsides within 24 hours.

What Should Your Result Be?

The results of an ocular tonometry eye examination assists in determining if you are suffering from any kind of glaucoma. If your intraocular pressure falls in the range of 10-21mm Hg, then your pressure is considered to be under control, and you are not susceptible to developing glaucoma. If your ocular tonometry results are above 21mm Hg, you need to take care of your eyes and ensure they remain healthy.

If your intraocular pressure has increased, you need to control your diet as it can help in reducing your ocular pressure. You can also opt to workout frequently to maintain eye health. If you feel that your eye health is affecting, you must visit an optical clinic in Edmonton for a comprehensive eye checkup or ocular tonometry examination to get your eyes checked for glaucoma.