By Dr Nwoko Adaeze (OD)
When it comes to protecting your vision, regular eye tests play a crucial role in detecting eye conditions early before they lead to permanent damage. One of the most important tests performed during an eye test is tonometry. This simple yet vital procedure measures the pressure inside your eyes and helps in detecting glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikoyi and Ikeja, Lagos, experienced optometrists use tonometry to monitor eye health and identify potential issues, including glaucoma before they worsen.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what tonometry is, how it works, why it’s important, and how it’s used to detect glaucoma. Whether you're due for an eye test or simply curious about how your optometrist checks for eye conditions, this guide will give you all the information you need.
What is Tonometry?
Tonometry is a non-invasive test used to measure the pressure inside your eyes, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). The human eye contains a fluid called aqueous humor that helps maintain the eye’s shape and provides nutrients to the eye tissues. The amount of fluid produced and drained from the eye determines the intraocular pressure.
Normally, the fluid is drained through a drainage channel in the eye. If this fluid doesn’t drain properly, it can build up and increase the pressure inside the eye. High intraocular pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can cause vision loss.
During a tonometry test, your optometrist will check this pressure to determine whether it's within a healthy range. If the pressure is too high, it could be a sign that you are at risk for glaucoma or other eye problems.
Why is Tonometry Important?
Tonometry is crucial because it is one of the most effective ways to detect glaucoma in its early stages. Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it usually doesn’t show any clear symptoms until it has already caused serious damage to the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. By the time you start noticing vision loss, it may be too late to reverse the damage. However, early detection through tests like tonometry allows for timely intervention to prevent further damage and preserve your vision.
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikoyi and Ikeja, Lagos, the optometrists use tonometry as a key tool in the eye test to identify high intraocular pressure, which could indicate glaucoma. Catching this condition early is essential, as it can be managed with medication, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce the pressure and protect your vision.
How Does Tonometry Work?
The tonometry test is quick and painless. There are different methods for measuring intraocular pressure, but the most commonly used methods are:
1. Non-contact Tonometry (Air Puff Test):
This is the most common method used for tonometry during eye tests. You’ll be asked to sit in front of a machine, and a quick puff of air is directed at your eye. The machine measures the amount of pressure required to flatten a small portion of the cornea (the clear, front surface of the eye). The test is quick and doesn’t involve any physical contact with your eye, making it a comfortable and non-invasive way to measure intraocular pressure.
2. Goldmann Applanation Tonometry:
This method is considered the gold standard for measuring intraocular pressure. It involves placing a small, flat probe onto the surface of your eye while you are numbed with eye drops. The optometrist uses this device to measure the pressure needed to flatten the cornea. Though it requires numbing drops, it is a highly accurate and widely used method.
3. Maklakov Tonometry:
This is a similar method to the Goldmann tonometry, but it uses a weighted plunger to measure eye pressure. The test also requires numbing drops and provides accurate measurements of intraocular pressure.
While non-contact tonometry is the most commonly used method in clinics like SpecSMART Eye Clinic, the optometrist will decide which method is best for you based on your specific eye health and the results of other parts of the eye test.
How Tonometry Helps Detect Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when high intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The optic nerve carries the images you see from the back of your eye to your brain so you can understand what you're looking at. When this nerve becomes damaged, it can lead to vision loss which is often irreversible.
Tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye, which is one of the key risk factors for glaucoma. However, it’s important to note that while high intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor, not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma. Similarly, some people can develop glaucoma even with normal eye pressure. Therefore, tonometry is typically combined with other tests, such as an eye exam to check the optic nerve, visual field tests, and imaging tests to get a complete picture of your eye health.
If the tonometry test shows that your intraocular pressure is higher than normal, your optometrist will monitor your eye health more closely, recommend treatments to reduce the pressure, and potentially refer you to a glaucoma specialist if necessary.
The Role of Regular Eye Tests and Tonometry in Preventing Vision Loss
The key to preventing glaucoma and preserving your vision is early detection. Since glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages, you may not realise you have the condition until it’s too late. Regular eye tests that include tonometry are essential for identifying risk factors and signs of glaucoma early on.
At SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikoyi and Ikeja, Lagos, regular eye tests are offered to people of all ages to ensure that any eye conditions, including glaucoma, are detected as soon as possible. Optometrists will also assess other factors that could increase your risk for glaucoma, such as family history, age, and other health conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
The earlier glaucoma is detected, the easier it is to manage. Treatment options may include prescription eye drops to lower intraocular pressure, laser therapy, or even surgery in severe cases. These treatments can help control the condition and prevent further vision loss.
When Should You Have a Tonometry Test?
It’s important to have regular eye tests, including tonometry, especially if you fall into any of the following categories:
-
Over the age of 40: People over 40 are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and it’s recommended that they have regular eye exams to check for early signs.
-
Family history of glaucoma: If you have a family member who has glaucoma, you may be at an increased risk of developing it.
-
High eye pressure: If you’ve been diagnosed with elevated intraocular pressure, tonometry can help monitor your eye pressure and assess your risk for glaucoma.
- Other risk factors: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of eye injury can increase your risk for glaucoma, making regular eye tests even more important.
Conclusion
Tonometry is a crucial part of your eye test, helping detect glaucoma and monitor your eye health. At SpecSMART Eye Clinic in Ikoyi and Ikeja, Lagos, optometrists use tonometry to check your intraocular pressure and catch potential issues before they lead to permanent vision loss. Regular eye tests are essential for early detection of glaucoma, and the earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to manage and treat.
If it’s been a while since your last eye test, or you’re concerned about your risk for glaucoma, schedule an appointment with SpecSMART Eye Clinic today. Protect your vision with regular checkups and take the first step toward maintaining healthy eyes for years to come.