Eye Pressure and Corneal Thickness: Key Insights for Patients

Q: Eye Pressure and Corneal Thickness: Key Insights for Patients

Hello, Xiao Liao： 1. Generally, in your twenties, the eyes should not be swollen or feel hard to the touch. If you experience such symptoms, the most common cause is fatigue. 2. Due to differences in equipment, please consult a physician to determine wheth

Intraocular pressure and corneal thickness?

Hello Doctor: Since I started experiencing floaters in March 2020, I have been regularly visiting an ophthalmologist for check-ups.
In March, my eye pressure readings were 19 and 21 (University Hospital, with some margin of error).
In August, the readings were 20 and 22 (University Hospital, with some margin of error).
In October, my eye pressure was approximately 22 and 23 (Shin Kong Hospital, without specific margin of error noted).
In November, it was 22 and 24 (Shin Kong Hospital, without specific margin of error noted).
In December, it remained 22 and 24 (Shin Kong Hospital, without specific margin of error noted).
In January, it was 25 and 26 (Shin Kong Hospital, without specific margin of error noted).
It seems that my eye pressure has slightly increased, but after undergoing visual field tests and optic nerve examinations at a major hospital, the doctors indicated that it was merely due to the position of my cornea, which is approximately 600 microns thick.

In February of the following year, I went to the university hospital for a routine fundus examination, and on that day, my eye pressure was also 24.5 and 26.7.
However, they mentioned that after accounting for corneal thickness, my eye pressure was 22 and 24, which is still considered elevated.
They used a non-contact tonometer (air puff) which seems similar to what the major hospital used, but they provided adjusted numbers after calculating the margin of error.
The doctor only advised me to return for a follow-up in six months.
I am very concerned about whether there will be any pathological changes due to elevated eye pressure during this six-month period.

I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Regarding my current eye pressure and the slight swelling I feel in my eyes daily, could this be a sign of elevated eye pressure? I have read online about lightly touching the upper part of the eyeball to check for hardness; sometimes I feel it is quite hard, while at other times it feels soft.
I am very worried that high eye pressure could damage my optic nerve, and I am really anxious.

2.
The two hospitals seem to use different machines; how can I understand whether my eye pressure is normal?
3.
What are some symptoms of elevated eye pressure that I should be aware of, so I know when to seek immediate medical attention?

Xiao Liao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/15

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Xiao Liao:
1.
Generally, in your twenties, the eyes should not be swollen or feel hard to the touch.
If you experience such symptoms, the most common cause is fatigue.

2.
Due to differences in equipment, please consult a physician to determine whether your intraocular pressure is normal.

3.
You can refer to the following link: https://bit.ly/3aiCXvG for the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should visit a medical facility for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.

Best regards,
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/02/15

More Info

Understanding eye pressure and corneal thickness is crucial for maintaining eye health, especially for individuals who have experienced fluctuations in eye pressure readings. Your concerns about eye pressure, potential eye diseases, and the implications of corneal thickness are valid and warrant a thorough discussion.

1. Eye Pressure and Symptoms: Elevated eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), can indeed lead to symptoms such as a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the eyes. This sensation can be exacerbated by anxiety, which may cause temporary spikes in eye pressure. The fluctuation in the hardness of your eyeball when you gently touch it can be attributed to changes in IOP. However, it is important to note that the subjective feeling of "hardness" is not a definitive indicator of elevated IOP. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is essential to accurately assess your eye pressure and its implications for your eye health.

2. Understanding Measurement Variability: Different devices can yield varying results due to their measurement techniques. For instance, the air puff tonometer (non-contact tonometry) and Goldmann applanation tonometry are commonly used methods, but they may produce different readings based on factors like corneal thickness and curvature. Your corneal thickness, which you mentioned is around 600 micrometers, plays a significant role in interpreting your IOP readings. Thicker corneas can lead to falsely elevated pressure readings, while thinner corneas can result in lower readings. To understand your eye pressure better, it is advisable to have a comprehensive eye exam that includes pachymetry (measurement of corneal thickness) alongside IOP measurements.

3. Symptoms of Elevated Eye Pressure: While many individuals with elevated IOP may not experience noticeable symptoms, some common signs can include blurred vision, halos around lights, headaches, and eye pain. If you experience sudden changes in vision, severe eye pain, or headaches accompanied by nausea, these could be signs of acute glaucoma, which requires immediate medical attention. It is crucial to maintain regular follow-ups with your eye care provider, especially given your history of fluctuating eye pressure readings.

4. Monitoring and Management: Given your anxiety about potential eye damage, it is essential to have a proactive approach. If your eye care provider has suggested a follow-up in six months, it is likely because they believe your current readings do not warrant immediate intervention. However, if you notice any changes in your vision or experience new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek an earlier appointment. Additionally, discussing your concerns with your doctor can help alleviate anxiety and provide clarity on your condition.

5. Protecting Your Eye Health: To protect your vision, consider adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, and adequate hydration. These factors can contribute to overall eye health. Moreover, managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques or counseling can also be beneficial, as stress can influence your perception of symptoms and may contribute to temporary spikes in eye pressure.

In conclusion, while your fluctuating eye pressure readings and associated symptoms are understandably concerning, regular monitoring and open communication with your eye care provider are key to managing your eye health effectively. If you have further questions or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and reassurance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Eye Pressure and Corneal Thickness: Key Insights for Patients

Hello Doctor, my intraocular pressure has been consistently high, around 22 to 23 mmHg. Recently, I went to the hospital for an examination, and they told me that my corneal thickness is 640 micrometers, and my actual intraocular pressure is approximately 12 to 13 mmHg. However, ...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Huang: According to this table, the calculated intraocular pressure is as you have calculated, but the physician's results may involve a different method of calculation, which you may need to inquire about. However, as long as it remains within the normal range, yo...

Understanding Corneal Thickness and Its Impact on Eye Pressure Measurements

Hello, Director Ke. My corneal thickness measurements are 610 and 590 micrometers. Could this affect the intraocular pressure readings, which were measured at 22 and 23 during the health check? Are these values still considered elevated? Thank you for your response.

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology
Hello! A pressure below 23 mmHg should still be considered normal. Wishing you peace and good health.

Understanding Corneal Thickness, Eye Pressure, and Retinal Health: Key Insights

1. I measured my corneal thickness at a teaching hospital using a pen-like device after applying topical anesthetic. The thickness in both eyes was 618/609 micrometers. Four months later, using the same equipment at the same hospital, the measurements were 657/678 micrometers. Th...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, 1. The comparison of various methods for measuring corneal thickness has always been a popular research topic. The use of anesthetic drops can potentially introduce errors, and there are many other factors that can also affect the measurements. Currently, the conversions...

Understanding High Eye Pressure: Risks, Treatments, and Care Tips

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing consistently elevated intraocular pressure, usually around 22-23 mmHg. I have had a comprehensive eye examination at a major hospital, and my fundus examination appeared normal. I would like to ask if having this consistently high eye pressu...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
Hello, intraocular pressure is not the sole criterion for diagnosing glaucoma; regular monitoring is sufficient. Reducing the use of electronic devices and allowing your eyes to rest is beneficial. Corneal thickness can affect the accuracy of intraocular pressure readings; genera...