Does Anxiety Affect Eye Pressure Readings During Exams? - Ophthalmology

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Anxiety can indeed have a significant impact on various physiological responses, including eye pressure readings. When you experience anxiety, especially in a clinical setting like an eye exam, your body's stress response can lead to increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. This heightened state of arousal can also affect intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the fluid pressure inside the eye.
During an eye exam, particularly when measuring eye pressure, anxiety can lead to temporary spikes in IOP. This is because the body's fight-or-flight response can cause the muscles around the eye to tense up, potentially increasing the pressure. However, it's important to note that the relationship between anxiety and eye pressure is complex. While anxiety can cause temporary increases in IOP, it is not the sole factor in diagnosing conditions like glaucoma.

In your case, you mentioned that the air puff tonometer (the machine that blows air to measure eye pressure) consistently gives you higher readings (around 22 mmHg), while the handheld device shows normal readings (18-19 mmHg). This discrepancy could be attributed to several factors, including the anxiety you feel during the exam. The air puff test may be more sensitive to fluctuations caused by anxiety, while the handheld device may provide a more stable reading in a relaxed state.

It's reassuring to hear that your eye examinations, including the assessment of your optic nerve and visual fields, have been normal over the past three years. This suggests that there are no significant underlying issues, and the higher readings from the air puff test may not be indicative of glaucoma or other eye diseases. Regular monitoring is essential, and if your eye care provider has not expressed concern, it is likely that you can feel more at ease.

If anxiety continues to be a significant issue for you during eye exams, consider discussing this with your eye care provider. They may suggest strategies to help manage your anxiety, such as relaxation techniques or even pre-exam counseling. Some patients find that deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety levels before and during their appointments.

In summary, while anxiety can temporarily elevate eye pressure readings, your consistent normal results from the handheld device and the absence of concerning findings in your eye exams over the years are encouraging. It's always best to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns you have, including anxiety and its effects on your health. Regular check-ups and a proactive approach to managing anxiety can help ensure that you maintain good eye health and overall well-being.