{"id":1316,"date":"2023-01-19T10:19:49","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T15:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1316"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:31","slug":"normal-eye-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/normal-eye-pressure","title":{"rendered":"What’s a Normal Eye Pressure Range?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A normal eye pressure range is generally between 10 and 21 mmHg\u2060\u2014or millimeters of mercury\u2014although it can vary from person to person. In essence, one person\u2019s \u201cideal\u201d intraocular pressure range may vary from another’s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many factors that go into determining a normal or healthy eye pressure range, and there\u2019s no need to fret if your intraocular pressure doesn\u2019t fit neatly into it. Everyone\u2019s eyes are different! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, there\u2019s a lot to know about determining intraocular pressure and what your eye pressure reading means. Let\u2019s see if we can answer some of your most urgent questions about \u201cgood\u201d eye pressure\u2014but remember, your eye doctor is the only person who can reliably tell you whether your intraocular pressure is cause for concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Eye Pressure, and How Does It Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure, is the pressure exerted on the interior walls of the eye by the fluid inside it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might help to look at eye pressure compared to a more familiar topic, blood pressure. Blood pressure is how much force, or pressure, your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats. Your eyeballs don\u2019t beat like your heart does (hopefully), but the fluid inside them is kept at a steady pressure that can indicate overall eye health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with blood pressure, it\u2019s important to maintain a normal eye pressure reading. But as we\u2019ve mentioned, the meaning of \u201cnormal\u201d varies widely. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The average range of 10 to 21 mmHg only exists because 90% of the population falls into this range. It\u2019s your doctor\u2014and only your eye doctor\u2014who can determine if your eye pressure reading is good, normal, or abnormal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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Our expert eye doctors can provide the vision care you need.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

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How Is Eye Pressure Measured?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several tonometry tests\u2014or ways to measure intraocular pressure\u2014and you may expect any one of them at your next comprehensive eye exam<\/a>. Your eye doctor will determine the best option for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAir-Puff\u201d Tonometry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One test for measuring eye pressure is everyone\u2019s favorite: the \u201cair puff\u201d test<\/a>. This test includes aiming a short (painless!) puff of air into the eyeball to check for high or low IOP (intraocular pressure). This rapid pulse of air slightly flattens the cornea to gauge a reading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rebound Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The rebound test is similar to the \u201cair puff\u201d test, but it uses a small plastic-tipped probe instead of a burst of air. The probe bounces off the cornea to determine the eye pressure, and no numbing drops are usually needed. This option is often used with children and those who can\u2019t comply with other methods of eye pressure testing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goldmann Applanation Tonometry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Living up to its own name, the Goldmann applanation tonometry test is the gold standard for measuring eye pressure. For this test, the eyes are numbed with drops, and non-toxic dye is placed in each eye. A small gauge is then placed on the cornea to measure the pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pneumatonometry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This alternative measurement method is often used on those with scarred corneas. Like with the Goldmann applanation tonometry test, the eyes are numbed first; however, no dye is applied. This helps determine a more accurate reading for those with thicker corneas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if Eye Pressure Is Too High?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

If your intraocular pressure is too high or abnormal in any way, then that may signal something is amiss with your eye health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When eye pressure is too high for an individual\u2019s specific eye pressure range, then they may be diagnosed with ocular hypertension. This condition can cause damage to the optic nerve and possibly contribute to the development of glaucoma<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risk factors for ocular hypertension include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n