An eye pressure test is a routine part of every eye exam that measures the fluid pressure inside the eye. The test is called tonometry. Increased pressure within the eye can be a sign of glaucoma, a common and potentially very serious eye problem if it is not detected and treated promptly.
Ocular hypertension also occurs when the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. In people with ocular hypertension, the optic nerve appears normal and no signs of glaucoma are found during visual field testing, which tests side (peripheral) vision. However, people with ocular hypertension are considered “glaucoma suspects,” meaning they should be monitored closely by an ophthalmologist to make sure that they do not develop glaucoma.
Intraocular pressure rises slowly with increasing age, just as glaucoma becomes more common as you get older. It is important to monitor ocular hypertension closely and to reduce it before it causes vision loss or damage to the optic nerve.
Ocular hypertension usually does not have any signs or symptoms. Because you can have ocular hypertension and not be aware of it, it is important that you have regular eye examinations with your ophthalmologist.
