Have you ever received a tonometry test while at the eye doctor? You may remember it as a pen or puff of air used to test your eye pressure. These tests are crucial to monitoring your intraocular pressure and maintaining a healthy level. But have you ever wondered how ophthalmologists fight high eye pressure in patients with abnormal pressure levels? Keep reading to find out how doctors diagnose and treat high eye pressure.
Diagnosing High Eye Pressure
The most effective way to treat high eye pressure is to detect it and start treatment as soon as possible. This is why it’s so important to see your eye doctor regularly for eye checkups. Your ophthalmologist will perform a tonometry test from one of several methods to determine your eye pressure. Some of the most common eye pressure tests are non-contact tonometry, also known as the “air-puff test” or applanation tonometry.
Treatments for Hight Eye Pressure
Once your eye doctor tests your intraocular pressure, you will either fall into the low pressure, healthy pressure, or high-pressure range. If you have high eye pressure, your ophthalmologist will usually recommend one of the following treatments.
Eye Drops and Other Medication
In most cases, ophthalmologists and other eye doctors will recommend prescription eye drops as an initial treatment for high eye pressure. While eye drops are the most common treatment option, there are other medication options for high eye pressure. Your ophthalmologist may also prescribe pills, a topical cream, or even a combination of these treatments. They will help you find the treatment form that works best for you.
Surgery
Sometimes, when medication may not be effective, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to relieve your high intraocular pressure. This is especially the case if your high eye pressure is caused by a blocked or slow drainage channel. A buildup of fluid in the eye can cause high intraocular pressure, so your doctor will need to surgically remove any blockages preventing natural flow.
We hope that exploring these treatments and methods to treat intraocular pressure helps explain how ophthalmologists fight high eye pressure. If you run an eye practice and need an ophthalmic equipment supplier, you can rely on Automated Ophthalmics, Inc. to supply the tools you’re looking for.