{"id":31416,"date":"2025-04-23T11:45:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T09:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/measuring-eye-pressure-how-intraocular-pressure-is-measured-during-glaucoma-screening\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T15:17:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T13:17:05","slug":"measuring-eye-pressure-how-intraocular-pressure-is-measured-in-glaucoma-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/measuring-eye-pressure-how-intraocular-pressure-is-measured-in-glaucoma-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Measuring eye pressure: How intraocular pressure is measured in glaucoma prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Excessive intraocular pressure<\/strong> often goes unnoticed for a long time \u2013 but can gradually damage the optic nerve<\/strong> and lead to the development of glaucoma<\/strong>. This is why regular eye pressure measurement<\/strong> is a key part of glaucoma prevention<\/strong>, especially from the age of 40<\/strong> or if there are known risk factors<\/strong> such as short-sightedness<\/strong>, diabetes<\/strong> or a family history of the disease. <\/p>\n\n

In this article, we explain how eye pressure is measured<\/strong>, which measurement methods<\/strong> are available, how reliable and painless<\/strong> the examination is \u2013 and when it is medically necessary<\/strong>. Even if you haven’t experienced any symptoms so far, you should take a closer look at this topic. After all, a simple measurement can help to keep the eye healthy in the long term<\/strong> \u2013 and in an emergency, prevent irreversible visual impairment or blindness<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Measuring eye pressure \u2013 when is it necessary? Symptoms of high pressure in the eye: <\/h2>\n\n

An eye pressure measurement<\/strong> is particularly important if there is a suspicion of increased intraocular pressure<\/strong> \u2013 as this can cause no symptoms<\/strong> for a long time and yet slowly damage the optic nerve<\/strong>. The problem only becomes noticeable when part of the vision has already been lost<\/strong> \u2013 which in the worst case can manifest itself as glaucoma<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • Frequent feeling of eye pressure or dull pain<\/strong> in the eye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Headaches<\/strong> in the forehead or eye socket area<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Blurred vision<\/strong> or reduced vision \u2013 especially in the morning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Halos or rings of light<\/strong> around light sources<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Feeling of pressure or tension<\/strong> when looking at screens<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sudden deterioration in vision<\/strong>, with no apparent cause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    From the age of 40<\/strong>, the risk of increased intraocular pressure<\/strong> rises significantly \u2013 especially with a family history<\/strong>, short-sightedness<\/strong>, diabetes<\/strong> or high blood pressure<\/strong>. Therefore, a regular ophthalmological examination<\/strong> including intraocular pressure measurement<\/strong> is part of sensible glaucoma prevention<\/strong>, even if no symptoms are present yet<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

    How does an intraocular pressure measurement work?<\/h2>\n\n

    During intraocular pressure measurement<\/strong>, the amount of pressure inside the eye<\/strong> exerted on the walls of the eye and the optic nerve<\/strong> is determined. This pressure is caused by the so-called aqueous humor<\/strong> \u2013 a clear fluid that is produced in the ciliary body<\/strong> behind the pupil<\/strong> and drained again via the chamber angle<\/strong>. If there is no balance between the production and drainage of the aqueous humor<\/strong>, the pressure inside the eye<\/strong> can increase. <\/p>\n\n

    Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)<\/strong> determines this value in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

    Normal intraocular pressure values: <\/h3>\n\n

    The normal range is approximately between 10 and 21 mmHg<\/strong>. If the measured pressure is above this, it can be an indication of increased eye pressure<\/strong> and thus an increased glaucoma risk<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

    The most important measurement methods at a glance: <\/h2>\n\n

    In practice, intraocular pressure values are determined using the following four measurement methods. <\/p>\n\n

    Applanation Tonometry (Goldmann Gold Standard)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

    Goldmann applanation tonometry<\/strong> is considered the gold standard for eye pressure measurement<\/strong> \u2013 especially in the context of glaucoma diagnostics<\/strong>. It provides very precise values<\/strong> and is therefore particularly frequently used in ophthalmological practice<\/strong>. The method is based on a clear principle: the higher the intraocular pressure, the harder it is to flatten (applanate) the cornea of the eye.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

    How applanation tonometry works:<\/h4>\n\n
      \n
    • The cornea<\/strong> is first prepared with anaesthetic eye drops<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A fluorescent dye is applied to make the contact surface visible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • The cornea is gently flattened<\/strong> using a fine measuring probe attached to the slit lamp microscope<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Based on the resistance, the device calculates the intraocular pressure in mmHg<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      Advantages:<\/h4>\n\n
        \n
      • Very reliable and accurate<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Particularly suitable for monitoring glaucoma progression<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Direct contact allows for precise assessment with controlled fixation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        The corneal thickness<\/strong> can influence the measurement result \u2013 therefore, pachymetry<\/strong> (corneal thickness measurement) is often also performed.<\/p>\n\n

        Non-Contact Tonometry (Air-Puff Measurement)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

        Non-contact tonometry<\/strong>, often simply referred to as air-puff measurement<\/strong>, is a fast, painless, and non-contact method<\/strong> for measuring intraocular pressure<\/strong>. It is particularly frequently used in preventive examinations<\/strong> or in initial diagnostics<\/strong> \u2013 e.g., in cases of suspected increased eye pressure or glaucoma<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

        How air-puff measurement works:<\/h4>\n\n