Tonometry

Tonometry is an eye test that measures the pressure inside your eyes, to determine whether or not you may be at risk for glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease in which fluid buildup within the eye can damage the optic nerve. Though often referred to as one disease, glaucoma is actually a group of diseases that all cause the same damage and are most likely to strike people over the age of 60 (NIH Senior Health).

In most cases of glaucoma, the fluid that normally bathes and nourishes the eye drains too slowly, causing a pressure buildup. Without treatment, that pressure can eventually harm the optic nerve, causing a loss in vision. Because these changes within the eye are often painless, they can progress for years unnoticed.

Since glaucoma can cause blindness if it’s not treated, a tonometry test is critical for detecting eye changes early. If the test comes back positive, your eye doctor will begin treatments, which can delay the progression of the disease.

Who Needs a Tonometry Test?

Your eye doctor may order the Goldman application tonometry test if he or she suspects you may be at risk for glaucoma. If the air puff test or other eye tests indicate a potential problem, he may ask you to go through the tonometry test to confirm or rule out glaucoma.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you may be at risk for glaucoma if you are African American, as individuals in this population are five times more likely to get this condition than Caucasians. They are subsequently more likely to experience permanent blindness as a result (Mayo).

You may also be at risk if you: