Free tool · 60 seconds
Is my eye pressure too high?
Put your reading in context. And discover why one number never tells the whole story.
⚠ Acute symptoms?Sudden vision loss, an eye injury, chemicals in the eye, severe pain, or new blind spots in your visual field? Don't wait for an online explanation — call your GP (huisarts), the out-of-hours GP service, or 112 immediately.
Why one number is never the whole story
- Eye pressure fluctuates through the day — one reading is a snapshot.
- Glaucoma can also develop at normal pressure (normal-tension glaucoma).
- A real assessment includes the nerve fibre layer (OCT), visual field and optic disc.
Your highest reading
This pressure is above the average range. That does not automatically mean something is wrong — a thicker cornea can measure higher, for instance — but it's wise to have it checked and followed up.
The difference between your eyes is notable (≥ 4 mmHg). That too is a reason for a professional look.
Frequently asked questions
What eye pressure is normal?
For most people between 10 and 21 mmHg — a statistical range, not a hard boundary between healthy and ill. Corneal thickness, method and time of day all influence the number.
Does high eye pressure mean I have glaucoma?
No. Elevated pressure is a risk factor, not a diagnosis. Glaucoma is optic nerve damage — established with further testing such as OCT and a visual field test, not with a single pressure reading.
Can you feel high eye pressure?
Usually not — which is exactly why periodic checks matter. Only an acute, very high pressure (angle-closure attack) causes symptoms like severe pain, a red eye and blurred vision: that is an emergency.
Further reading in the knowledge base
Uveitis: the internal eye inflammation to take seriously
A painful, light-sensitive red eye can be an internal inflammation: uveitis. Why this is not ordinary conjunctivitis, what treatment looks like and what causes it.
Red eyes: when is it harmless and when is it not?
A red eye is usually harmless: irritation, conjunctivitis or a burst vessel. But pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision change the story. A level-headed guide.
Want real certainty?
A registered optometrist reviews your complete file — measurements, scans and your question — and signs a report. Within 48 hours.
See the review options