Measurement of eye pressure at home

Intraocular pressure is the rate at which the amount of fluid in the capsule of the eye increases and decreases. If the pressure is normal, then the eye functions as it should. With an increase, the quality of vision is impaired, and serious diseases can occur. Basically, such problems occur after 40 years, therefore, in order to detect pathology in time, it is necessary to control pressure.

Symptoms of pathology

An increase in intraocular pressure can be determined by some symptoms:

• Deterioration in the quality of vision.
• Pain in the temples or eye.
• Redness of the eyes.
• Discomfort when straining eyes.

The disease can progress for a long time without showing itself. You can get accurate information about deviations using a tonometer. This device is specially designed for this purpose. In a hospital, such measurements can be taken every six months to control pressure. Especially carefully it is necessary to be checked to people after 40 years. They are at risk, since glaucoma most often occurs at this age.

How measurements are taken in a clinic

Measurement of eye pressure is a rather unpleasant procedure, but it does not cause pain.

There are several ways to measure eye pressure:

• Palpation. Only a doctor can do this. The patient sits opposite him and closes his eye. The specialist gently presses on the eyelid. This gives him an idea of ​​the density of the eye.

• To measure the pressure more accurately, it is necessary to use a special device - a tonometer. This study is carried out under local anesthesia, as it consists in introducing a thin needle into the cornea of ​​​​the eye. If the cornea is pressed through easily, then the pressure is high, and if it is bad, it is low.
• At home, you can measure eye pressure using a special device - a portable tonometer.

If you regularly carry out preventive measurements, you can avoid such a serious disease as glaucoma, which can cause loss of the ability to see.

Measurements at home

To measure eye pressure at home, several devices are used:

1. Mechanical tonometer.
2. Semi-automatic tonometer.
3. Automatic tonometer.

More reliable information is provided by a mechanical tonometer. This appliance is ideal for home use. The set consists of a rubber cuff, an air balloon, a manometer, and a phonendoscope. Semi-automatic and automatic device provides inaccurate information.

The main thing is to take measurements accurately.

When doing this yourself, you must follow a few rules:

• Blood pressure control must be carried out every time an ailment occurs. In order to detect deviations in eye pressure in time, it is necessary to measure several times a week.
• People suffering from hypertension should measure their eye pressure every day in the morning and evening.
• If there is any doubt that the device gave the correct result, the procedure must be repeated after a few minutes. Even experts, in order to avoid errors, can repeat measurements several times in a row.
• When measuring, it is necessary to ensure that the device lies flat, and its tubes are not twisted.

Before carrying out the procedure, you can not:

1. Use caffeine or cigarettes.
2. Perform any type of physical activity.
3. Carry out thermal procedures such as hot baths or visits to saunas.
4. Long stay in the sun.
5. Eat large amounts of food.

All these actions can affect the result. It is necessary to measure the pressure during rest. The person should be in a relaxed and calm state. It is also advisable not to move.

The device is equipped with a light tip, which, by striking the center of the cornea, makes it possible to obtain information about eye pressure. Before and after use, the tip must be sterilized so as not to bring the infection into the eye.

This device has the following features:

1. Automatically saves previous measurement data.
2. Displays information on the screen.
3. Powered by a battery that can be easily recharged.
4. Easy to use.
5. Does not have a harmful effect on the body.
6. After measurement, the device emits a single beep. He says that the procedure was carried out correctly.

This type of tonometer is commonly used by patients with glaucoma who need constant blood pressure monitoring. It saves not only the indicators of past procedures, but also the date and time of the procedure.

If necessary, the list of measurements can be transferred to a computer via a USB cable.

There are also non-contact portable blood pressure monitors. They allow you to determine the pressure in contact with the eyelid, this avoids direct contact with the eye. It is quite comfortable and safe for the eyes. This device is suitable even for small children as anesthesia is not required.

This is a great device for home use. But its price is quite high and some doubt its accuracy, so they prefer to measure eye pressure in the doctor's office. Clinics and diagnostic centers also have non-contact blood pressure monitors.

These and other methods allow timely detection of violations of eye pressure. This helps to prevent glaucoma, since the consequences of the disease are irreversible.

Prevention

In order not to increase the pressure, it is necessary to follow a few simple recommendations:

1. Regularly undergo examination by an ophthalmologist and, if problems are found, immediately address them.
2. Do not work for a long time at the computer, so as not to overload your eyes, take breaks.
3. Perform special exercises for the eyes, which help to normalize blood circulation and avoid congestion.
4. Stick to the right lifestyle.
5. Give preference to blueberries, carrots, fish and other foods that are good for vision.

Sometimes eye problems can be caused by diseases such as hypertension, hormonal imbalances, infections, inflammation, and eye injury. Therefore, it is very important to be attentive to your health, to treat all pathologies in time and to the end. Otherwise, you can lose the joy of seeing the world around you.