Normal Eye Pressure Range: What Your Numbers Mean
Eye pressure (intraocular pressure) is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Most healthy eyes sit between about 10 and 21 mmHg. A single high reading is common and does not mean you have glaucoma — but it does mean your optic nerve should be checked properly.
- Typical range: about 10–21 mmHg
- Pressure varies through the day
- Thicker or thinner corneas change the reading
- Diagnosis depends on the optic nerve and visual field, not pressure alone
What your reading may mean
- Under 21 mmHg — usually normal, but glaucoma can still occur
- 21–30 mmHg — raised; needs optic nerve and field tests
- Over 30 mmHg — high; usually treated promptly
- A big difference between eyes — worth investigating
What happens next
An ophthalmologist will repeat the pressure and check whether it is affecting the optic nerve.
- Repeat pressure measurement
- Corneal thickness measurement
- OCT scan of the optic nerve
- Visual field test
- Drops or SLT laser if treatment is needed
Keeping your eyes healthy
Glaucoma is usually painless until late, so regular checks matter.
- Eye test every 1–2 years, yearly over 40 with family history
- Use prescribed drops every day
- Tell your optician about glaucoma in the family
When to seek urgent care
- • Sudden severe eye pain with headache or vomiting
- • Red eye with blurred vision and haloes around lights
- • These can be acute glaucoma — go to A&E immediately
Frequently asked questions
Book an assessment
Appointments with Ms Tahmina Pearsall are available across the UK, with urgent slots prioritised for sudden symptoms.
The £250 consultation fee is charged separately from any treatment or surgery.
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