Glaucoma Specialist on Tonometry Eye Pressure Test

“The tonometry eye pressure test is one of the tests performed during a comprehensive eye exam,”commented Glaucoma Specialist Bin Wu, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Acton, Gardner and Lancaster. Tonometry measures the intraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye.  There are several different ways to perform this test.

Goldman applanation tonometry is the "gold standard."  Your eye doctor will instill a numbing drop in the eye, along with fluorescein, an orange dye.  A blue light is used to enhance visibility of the front surface of the eye.  A sensor is then used to take a pressure reading off the cornea.

Air puff noncontact tonometry is another way to measure the intraocular pressure without the need for numbing drops or dyes.  A puff of air is blown onto the cornea and the internal pressure of the eye is calculated based on the reaction of the cornea to the puff of air.  This method is not as consistent as Goldman applanation tonometry, but it is quick and easy to do.

Intraocular pressure that is too high or too low can cause problems in the eye.  High intraocular pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma.  The optic nerve is sensitive to elevated pressure in the eye and glaucoma can result in optic nerve damage and vision loss. Pressure that is too low can cause also cause optic nerve problems as well as retinal problems.

Regular eye exams are important to make monitor your intraocular pressure.  Intraocular pressure that is elevated usually cannot be felt, and vision loss from glaucoma is permanent.

For information or to schedule an eye exam, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at www.facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.