Your eye pressure tells a deeper story. At Envision Ghent Optometry, we help patients across Norfolk stay ahead of glaucoma with early detection and expert care.
If you’ve ever heard your eye doctor mention “pressure” during an exam, they’re likely referring to your intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside your eyes. While many patients tune out this number, it’s actually one of the most critical indicators of your long-term eye health.
Elevated eye pressure is a leading risk factor for glaucoma, a serious eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss. What makes glaucoma especially dangerous is that it often starts with no symptoms. Vision loss begins at the edges of your sight, your peripheral vision, and creeps inward, unnoticed until it’s too late.
At Envision Ghent Optometry, we screen for glaucoma during every comprehensive eye exam. By tracking your IOP over time, we can spot changes early and recommend the right steps to protect your sight.
What Is a Normal Eye Pressure?
Most healthy eyes maintain a pressure between 12 to 20 mmHg. If the pressure rises above 21 mmHg or fluctuates significantly, it may signal that your eye’s drainage system isn’t working properly.
This buildup of fluid can start damaging the optic nerve, especially if left untreated. And while not all patients with high pressure develop glaucoma, every case of glaucoma involves optic nerve damage — often tied to pressure that wasn’t managed in time.
Types of Glaucoma: More Than Just High Pressure
Most people associate glaucoma with elevated eye pressure, but it’s not always that simple. There are several types of glaucoma, and each interacts with eye pressure differently.
Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG)
This is the most common type and develops gradually. The eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient, slowly raising pressure. There are no early symptoms which is why routine exams are essential.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma (CAG)
This form develops quickly and is a medical emergency. When the iris suddenly blocks drainage, pressure can skyrocket in hours. Symptoms include severe eye pain, redness, and nausea.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
Here’s where it gets tricky — in NTG, the pressure stays within a normal range, yet optic nerve damage still occurs. This form is more common among individuals with thinner corneas, vascular conditions, or a family history of glaucoma.
How We Monitor and Manage Glaucoma Pressure
At Envision Ghent Optometry, our goal is to catch pressure problems long before they cause damage. During your eye exam, we perform tests such as:
- Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure
- Pachymetry: Assesses corneal thickness
- OCT imaging: Visualizes optic nerve health
- Visual field tests: Detect early vision loss
If we notice pressure trends or structural changes, we’ll develop a personalized care plan which may include medication, lifestyle recommendations, or referrals for advanced treatment.
Protect Your Vision, One Exam at a Time
Glaucoma can’t be reversed, but it can be slowed or even stopped with early care. Monitoring your eye pressure is a vital part of that process.
If you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or have never had your eye pressure checked, don’t wait. Schedule an eye exam at Envision Ghent Optometry today and let us help you stay one step ahead of vision loss.