Measurement of intraocular pressure and corneal thickness

Measuring intraocular pressure is very important. The reason: excessive intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, the nerve fibre layer and the ganglion cell thickness of the retina. The upper normal limit for intraocular pressure is 21 mmHg. This limit was defined from average values of intraocular pressure in the population and statistical deviations, so-called standard deviation. Intraocular pressure therefore varies from person to person and is subject to certain daily fluctuations. However, intraocular pressure values that are higher than 21 mmHg can always be an indication of glaucoma. In this case, further examinations should be carried out. We can therefore answer the question of whether it makes sense to measure intraocular pressure with a clear yes.

Therefore, the measurement of intraocular pressure and corneal thickness should be taken together

If such increased intraocular pressure is suspected, it is also advisable to measure the thickness of the cornea. Intraocular pressure is measured at the corneal surface. The devices used to measure intraocular pressure are based on an average corneal thickness of 500-550 µm. If your own corneal thickness is greater than 550 µm, the measured intraocular pressure values are higher than the actual intraocular pressure. Conversely, if the corneal thickness is less than 500 µm, the measured value is lower than the actual intraocular pressure. Therefore, a low corneal thickness is considered an independent risk factor for the presence of glaucoma.