Eye Pressure Checks: Why We Do Them Even When Vision Feels Fine

When you come in for a routine eye exam at Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists, one of the standard tests we perform is an eye pressure check, also called tonometry. Many patients wonder why this test is necessary - especially when their vision seems perfectly fine. 

Understanding Eye Pressure

Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), refers to the fluid pressure inside your eyes. This pressure helps maintain the shape of the eye and supports proper function. However, when the pressure is too high, it can cause damage to the optic nerve - the structure that sends visual information from your eyes to your brain. Over time, this damage can lead to glaucoma, a disease that often develops silently without symptoms in its early stages.

Why It Matters Even When Vision Feels Normal

The tricky thing about elevated eye pressure is that you usually won’t feel it. Unlike other health issues that may cause discomfort or obvious changes, high eye pressure doesn’t typically affect vision until significant damage has already occurred. That’s why relying solely on how your vision feels can be misleading. By the time you notice vision loss, glaucoma may already be advanced and irreversible.

Early Detection Protects Your Sight

Regular eye pressure checks allow us to detect changes early - before symptoms appear. If we see elevated pressure, we can recommend further testing and, if necessary, start treatment to protect your optic nerve. Treatments may include prescription eye drops, lifestyle adjustments, or referral for advanced care. Early intervention is key to slowing or even preventing vision loss caused by glaucoma.

A Simple Step with Lifelong Benefits

Tonometry is quick, painless, and a standard part of your comprehensive eye exam. While it may seem unnecessary if you aren’t experiencing vision problems, it’s one of the most effective tools we have to safeguard your eyesight for years to come.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam with Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists

Your vision is too valuable to leave at risk. Eye pressure checks may feel routine, but they are a critical part of detecting and preventing serious eye diseases like glaucoma. Even if your vision seems perfect, these tests are protecting your future sight.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Drs. Roush and Will Optometrists and stay ahead of glaucoma before it impacts your vision. Visit our office in Albion, Kendallville, or Ligonier, Indiana. Please call (260) 636-7788, (260) 347-3458, or (260) 894-3909 to book an appointment today.