Tonometry Eye Test 2025: Prices, Procedures & Glaucoma Risk Detection
Discover how tonometry, the essential eye pressure test, helps detect glaucoma early. Learn about testing methods, who should get tested, and what results mean for your eye health.
Understanding Glaucoma and the Role of Tonometry
Tonometry is a vital diagnostic procedure that measures intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside your eye. This measurement is key in assessing your risk for glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
Glaucoma occurs when the eye's fluid drainage system malfunctions, causing pressure to build up and potentially damaging the optic nerve. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among adults over 60 years old.
Since glaucoma often progresses silently without pain or noticeable symptoms, early detection through tonometry is crucial to prevent vision loss.
If tonometry results indicate abnormal eye pressure, your eye specialist will recommend further examinations to confirm or rule out glaucoma.
What Is Tonometry and How Is It Performed?
Tonometry is an eye pressure test that identifies changes in your eye’s internal pressure before symptoms appear. The gold standard for this test is the Goldmann applanation tonometry, which uses a flat-tipped probe gently pressed against your cornea to measure pressure accurately.
Other tonometry methods include non-contact tonometry, which uses a quick puff of air to flatten the cornea and estimate pressure, as well as handheld devices like the Tono-Pen and iCare tonometer. While convenient, these alternatives are generally less precise than the Goldmann method.
Who Should Consider a Tonometry Test?
Your eye doctor may recommend a tonometry test if you have risk factors for glaucoma or if preliminary eye exams show potential issues. Risk factors include:
- Age over 40
- Being Black, Hispanic, or Asian
- Family history of glaucoma
- Nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Existing chronic eye conditions
- Previous eye injuries
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Poor blood circulation
- Long-term corticosteroid use
Symptoms prompting testing may involve gradual peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, or eye redness—all possible signs of glaucoma.
What to Expect During the Tonometry Procedure
For the Goldmann test, your eye will be numbed with drops to ensure comfort. A special dye may be applied to improve measurement accuracy. You will rest your head on supports while the doctor uses a slit-lamp microscope to gently touch your cornea with the tonometer probe.
This painless process measures your eye pressure by flattening a small part of your cornea. Though very safe, there is a minimal risk of corneal scratches, which typically heal quickly without complications.
Interpreting Tonometry Test Results
Normal eye pressure ranges between 12 and 22 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Results within this range generally indicate a low risk of glaucoma.
Higher readings, especially above 20 mm Hg, suggest elevated eye pressure, which may indicate glaucoma or pre-glaucoma. Additional tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis, and your doctor will discuss appropriate treatment options to protect your vision.
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