How Do Eye Doctors Test the Pressure of the Eye?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists are trained to perform various procedures to examine your eyes. These tests range from simple ones, like having to read letters from an eye chart, to more complex tests which involve using professional technological tools, which help see the inside structure of the eye.
One procedure that is used to examine the eye is called tonometry, this is a method used to determine the pressure of the eyes. The method/ test is used to screen for glaucoma, glaucoma is usually detected in people over the age of 40. Regular eye exams can detect glaucoma in its early stages and help treat it immediately.
What is intraocular pressure?
Intraocular pressure (IOP) and tonometry is the same thing. An elevated IOP can be dangerous because it causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve collects all the visual information from the retina and transmits that information to the brain. Then the brain sends signals to the body and vision is interpreted. When changes in the optic nerve occur because of the increase of IOP, peripheral vision decreases and nerve tissue is lost. This can be diagnosed as glaucoma.
How the Tonometry Test is Performed
Although there are several methods of testing for glaucoma, the most accurate and common methods are the following:
€ Aim of test is to flatten a certain area of the cornea
€ The surface of the eye is numbed with eye drops
€ A strip of paper dyes the eye so it is easier for the doctor to examine
€ A slit-lamp is placed in front of you to keep your head stead. The lamp is moved towards you until the tip of the tonometer touches the cornea
€ The doctor is then able to look through the eye piece and the machine gives a pressure reading
There is no discomfort or pain during the procedure
Here are some eye and vision tests that you are likely to encounter during a routine comprehensive eye exam:
Visual Acuity Tests
Measures the sharpness of your vision
€ Uses eye chart to measure distance visual acuity. This is done by making the letters on the chart appear smaller or larger.
Color Blindness Test
Screening test which checks your color vision
€ Test can help detect other eye health care problems that may be affecting your color vision problem
Cover Test
One of the most common tests used by doctors, this checks how your eyes work together.
€ Doctor will ask you to cover one of your eyes and focus the other eye on an object
€ Then the doctor will ask you to cover your other eye and fix your direction to the same object using your other eye
€ While you do this your doctor will examine if your uncovered eye is able to pick up the object
€ This is testing binocular vision and/or lazy eye
Eye doctors in Calgary can help you get the best vision care, if you are experiencing a change in your vision contact an eye specialist right away.
One procedure that is used to examine the eye is called tonometry, this is a method used to determine the pressure of the eyes. The method/ test is used to screen for glaucoma, glaucoma is usually detected in people over the age of 40. Regular eye exams can detect glaucoma in its early stages and help treat it immediately.
What is intraocular pressure?
Intraocular pressure (IOP) and tonometry is the same thing. An elevated IOP can be dangerous because it causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve collects all the visual information from the retina and transmits that information to the brain. Then the brain sends signals to the body and vision is interpreted. When changes in the optic nerve occur because of the increase of IOP, peripheral vision decreases and nerve tissue is lost. This can be diagnosed as glaucoma.
How the Tonometry Test is Performed
Although there are several methods of testing for glaucoma, the most accurate and common methods are the following:
€ Aim of test is to flatten a certain area of the cornea
€ The surface of the eye is numbed with eye drops
€ A strip of paper dyes the eye so it is easier for the doctor to examine
€ A slit-lamp is placed in front of you to keep your head stead. The lamp is moved towards you until the tip of the tonometer touches the cornea
€ The doctor is then able to look through the eye piece and the machine gives a pressure reading
There is no discomfort or pain during the procedure
Here are some eye and vision tests that you are likely to encounter during a routine comprehensive eye exam:
Visual Acuity Tests
Measures the sharpness of your vision
€ Uses eye chart to measure distance visual acuity. This is done by making the letters on the chart appear smaller or larger.
Color Blindness Test
Screening test which checks your color vision
€ Test can help detect other eye health care problems that may be affecting your color vision problem
Cover Test
One of the most common tests used by doctors, this checks how your eyes work together.
€ Doctor will ask you to cover one of your eyes and focus the other eye on an object
€ Then the doctor will ask you to cover your other eye and fix your direction to the same object using your other eye
€ While you do this your doctor will examine if your uncovered eye is able to pick up the object
€ This is testing binocular vision and/or lazy eye
Eye doctors in Calgary can help you get the best vision care, if you are experiencing a change in your vision contact an eye specialist right away.
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