Difference between air-puff test and tonometer for eye pressures?

Posted , 5 users are following.

A little confused after eye examination yesterday.  My eye pressures have been on the high side for years.  At the hospital yesterday they were 24 and 27 using the air-puff test.  Then the doctor used a tonometer, which he explained was more accurate.  This showed that my pressures were 18.  I was even monitored at the eye clinic for many years because of my high pressures, but, thankfully, my optic nerve is fine.  Have I had normal eye pressures all these years after all?

I was also told, by another consultant two years ago, that I had mild age-related macular degeneration.  However, yesterday's doctor told me that there is no sign of this.

All good news, really, but a little confusing!

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    My eye pressures have never been equal. It sounds to me that you need to find one good eye doctor maybe make an appointment with a specialist and have them monitor your eyes. You are getting a lot of mixed diagnosis. I would definitely seek a specialist.
  • Posted

    My eye pressures at the hospital eye clinic are usually 20 and 21. They went up to 23 and I had to have extra drops. At the opticians with the air puff test they are about 15. So I'm confused too.
    • Posted

      I am pretty sure eye pressures fluxuate. You have to be tested on a regular basis and have you blood pressure checked as high blood pressure also increases your eyes pressure. I would stick with an optrician.
    • Posted

      I am very stressed when I am having my pressure checked. I haveread that this will temporarily increase eye pressure. Have you

      found this to be true?

    • Posted

      I would also like to know this too if anyone has an answer.  I know that if you try to hold your breath it sends the pressure up. so breathing as "normally" as possible is the best way to go.  

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