Nutrition of the eye and preservation of its shape provides normal eye pressure. With the occurrence of various diseases or as a result of overwork, eye pressure may vary. At the same time, a person experiences discomfort, he is tormented by headaches. In order to detect violations in time, tonometry should be done regularly. In this case, you can see the deviations in time, prescribe treatment and prevent the occurrence of irreversible dysfunctions of the most important sensory organ - the eyes.
What is tonometry?
Tonometry is a test that makes it possible to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). This test is done to check for the presence of eye diseases, for example, glaucoma, which occurs due to damage to the optic nerve and can cause blindness. The optic nerve may be damaged due to the accumulation of fluid that circulates incorrectly.
To measure intraocular pressure, a tonometer is used that shows the resistance of the cornea to pressure.
Tonometry Methods
Currently, intraocular pressure is measured in one of the three most common ways:
- non-contact tonometry;
- finger tonometry;
- tonometry according to Maklakov.
Some methods of tonometry are quite simple, while others, in turn, require the use of expensive equipment.
Maklakov eye tonometry is considered a more accurate method of measuring eye pressure. But often you have to use other methods. For example, with a large flow of patients, or in cases where direct contact with the eye is prohibited according to indications, non-contact tonometry of the eye is performed.
Non-contact tonometry
This method is based on the reaction of the cornea of the eye. Pressure is created on it by air. Non-contact tonometry is performed only by specialists - optometrist or ophthalmologist. Since this method is painless, there is no need to use drops for local anesthesia during the procedure.
Contactless tonometry of the eye is a quick and easy process for measuring eye pressure. First, the patient puts his chin on a special stand and looks into the slit lamp. A doctor sits in front of him and shines with a bright light. Using special equipment, he inflicts a small air blow to the patient’s eye. At the same time, the tonometer records eye pressure measurements related to the effect of light on the cornea of the eye, which changes its shape during this procedure. The duration of the procedure is only a few seconds.
If necessary, the doctor can repeat this procedure several times for each eye.
Non-contact tonometry is often used to check intraocular pressure in children and operated patients according to the LASIK technique. It should be recalled that this method has no complications and is easily tolerated by patients.
Why is tonometry necessary?
Contactless tonometry is not used to detect glaucoma, but only to monitor the effectiveness of its treatment. That is, such a regular procedure gives specific information about whether the intraocular pressure corresponds to the threshold established by the doctor or not.
During a regular examination, the intraocular pressure is also checked by an ophthalmologist. This makes it possible, upon detection of increased indicators, to prescribe treatment in time and prevent glaucoma.
How to prepare for tonometry
Before the procedure, you need to remove contact lenses. It is necessary to remember that contact lenses can be worn only 2 hours after tonometry. It is recommended to bring glasses with you.
Doctors must be informed of whether relatives had glaucoma. You should also check with your doctor about the risk factors that contribute to the development of this disease and report on your presence.
Before the procedure, it is better to relax, remove tight clothes from the neck. In order for the tonometry data to be as accurate as possible, it is necessary:
- Do not drink more than 0.5 liters of liquid 4 hours before the procedure.
- Do not drink alcohol for the past 12 hours.
- Do not smoke marijuana for a day before testing.
The following factors can also influence the accuracy of results:
- Past eye surgery or laser vision correction.
- The cornea is irregular in shape.
- Blinking during testing.
- Eye pain or eye infection.
Tonometry Results
Each person's normal eye pressure is different. It usually gets higher right after a person wakes up. Frequent changes in intraocular pressure are characteristic of people who have glaucoma.
Specialists noticed that the female eye pressure is slightly higher than that of men. But in almost all people, it increases with age.
Intraocular pressure is considered normal if the tonometry is in the range of 10-21 hectogram-millimeters. If it rises above 21 millimeters per hectogram, you should immediately consult a doctor. Such people are at risk, because these indicators may indicate the development of glaucoma.
Tests using various blood pressure monitors can be done several times a year, during regular examinations by a specialist. If the tonometry of the eye has shown high pressure, one should not worry prematurely. It is better to conduct a few more tests using other methods of studying the condition of the eye.