How to Ease Your Mind About the Puff of Air Glaucoma Test
Feeling anxious about your upcoming glaucoma test at the eye doctor? You’re not alone. We’re here to ease your nerves about the puff of air glaucoma test with details about its purpose, how it works and how to prepare—physically and mentally—for your appointment.
Whether it’s your first eye exam or simply your latest, it’s normal to have questions about what to expect ahead of a glaucoma test with a puff of air. Fortunately, we have answers.
What Is the Puff of Air Test During an Eye Exam?
The eye puff test, also known as non-contact or air puff tonometry, is a common glaucoma eye test. It’s a quick, non-invasive way to check for signs of glaucoma, a condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve. Many eye exams include this test.
Here’s a quick rundown of how the puff of air glaucoma test works:
1.
An instrument called a tonometer, mounted on a specialized microscope, is lined up with your eye and moved into position.
2.
The tonometer gently blows a puff of air onto the surface of the eye, causing the clear layer of your eye, called the cornea, to briefly flatten.
3.
As it does this, your optometrist gets a quick reading from an infrared beam of light that shows the amount the cornea flattens.
The puff test allows your optometrist to get a reading of the fluid pressure in your eye without ever making direct contact. It’s completely painless and only takes a few seconds to complete.
Why Do People Dislike the Puff of Air Test for Glaucoma?
Although it’s painless, some people dislike the puff test because the brief burst of air can be uncomfortable or startling. Additionally, the equipment must be close to your eye, which makes some people anxious. After the test, some people report discomfort, especially if they flinch or squeeze their eyes, which can trigger a very brief period of blurred vision as the eyes readjust.
While it can be uncomfortable for some people, this glaucoma eye test is over before you know it—and it’s well worth it to screen for glaucoma, as early detection and treatment can help slow or prevent the development of the disease, which can cause severe visual impairment.
What Does the Puff of Air Test Tell an Optometrist About Your Eyes?
The puff of air test is a test of eye pressure. Specifically, it measures the intraocular pressure (IOP), or the pressure of the fluid in your eyes. Higher-than-normal levels of pressure, created by a buildup of fluid, can potentially damage your optic nerve, leading to glaucoma. Because glaucoma can develop slowly over time, the test can give your optometrist a baseline IOP level for comparison at future eye exams.
Keep in mind that not everyone with high IOP has or will develop glaucoma. Although other factors are considered, the results of your puff of air glaucoma test helps the optometrist assess your risk of developing glaucoma.
The Puff Test as Part of a Complete Eye Exam
The puff of air glaucoma test is a valuable tool for glaucoma screening and monitoring as one component of a comprehensive eye exam. Other glaucoma assessments include:
- Visual field test to detect any changes in your peripheral vision, where vision loss in glaucoma typically starts
- Retinal examination, in which the doctor dilates your pupils with eye drops to examine your retina and optic nerve
- Measuring your corneal thickness, which can affect eye pressure measurements
- Angle assessment to check how well your eye fluid drains
- Imaging tests to help your eye doctor conduct a more comprehensive examination of your retina and optic nerve
These tests are all important for detecting the signs of glaucoma, and offer valuable insights into other aspects of your vision and eye health.
Do You Have to Get the Puff of Air Glaucoma Test?
You don’t have to get the puff test, but it is highly recommended to screen for glaucoma, particularly if you meet certain conditions:
- Age: Adults over age 60, and especially over 70, are advised to have regular puff tests. This is because, as the pressure inside the eye increases over time, the risk of glaucoma rises sharply with age.
- Family history: If you have a close relative with glaucoma, especially a parent or sibling, you are at increased risk of developing the condition.
- Certain medical conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or frequent migraines have a greater chance of developing glaucoma.
- Previous eye injury or surgery: Those who have experienced trauma to the eye or undergone certain surgical procedures are advised to opt for regular eye pressure checks.
Even if you don’t have any major risk factors, your optometrist is likely to recommend getting a baseline eye pressure reading. When in doubt, talk to your doctor about the timing of any glaucoma eye tests, including the puff test.
Is There an Alternative to the Eye Puff Test?
While air puff tonometry is a commonly-used test for eye pressure, there are a few alternatives to the eye puff test that can measure eye pressure and screen for glaucoma. Instead of an air puff tonometer, your optometrist may use one of these devices:
- Applanation tonometer: The optometrist applies anesthesia and a small amount of dye to the eye, then uses an instrument to gently touch and flatten a small area of the cornea.
- Rebound tonometer: A very small probe makes brief contact with the surface of your eye to bounce off the cornea. A sensor measures the probe’s motion as it rebounds from your eye to determine the pressure.
- Tono-Pen: The eye doctor gently touches your cornea with a handheld device. The device applies a light, undetectable force to flatten the cornea and get a pressure reading. This test may be less startling to those who dislike feeling the puff of air.
Whichever eye pressure test you get, your optometrist uses a battery of tests to comprehensively assess your eye health and screen for glaucoma. Even if you opt for the puff of air test initially, your optometrist may use one of these alternatives if you require further glaucoma testing.
If You’re Still Nervous About the Puff Test
Still need to manage your nerves before your puff of air glaucoma test? It’s completely understandable. Don’t hesitate to ask your optometrist any questions you have. Be sure to mention that you’re feeling anxious. To help you feel comfortable, your doctor answers your questions, gives reassurance and explains what to expect.
Here are some additional tips to improve your experience:
- Bring a support person to help you feel at ease.
- Take deep breaths before, during and after the procedure.
- Practice visualization techniques to calm your body and mind.
- Focus on positive thoughts to distract yourself.
- Remind yourself of the benefits of regular glaucoma screenings.
Ultimately, remember—the puff test is a quick and painless procedure that’s over in a few seconds. By taking steps to stay informed, you’re also taking steps toward a more relaxed, successful time during your appointment.
Face Your Next Eye Exam with Confidence
The brief puff of air glaucoma test can be a little startling, but knowing what to expect can help you face it more calmly. Going into your eye exam informed about the importance of screening for conditions like glaucoma helps you take charge of your health.
Visionworks is on a mission to simplify eye care. Learn more about the elements of eye health to help you be proactive about your eye health and take the steps you need to protect your vision now and into the future. Schedule an appointment at your local Visionworks today!
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Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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