When you think about a check-up at an eye clinic, what usually comes to mind? For most Lagosians, it’s about checking if you need new glasses or if your eyes are “still okay.” But eye care is far more than just finding the right lens strength. One of the most important yet often overlooked parts of an eye examination is the eye pressure test.
At Vision Plus Specialist Eye Clinic in Victoria Island and Ikeja, we meet many patients who are surprised when we say, “We need to check your eye pressure.” Some ask, “Do I have high blood pressure in my eyes?” Others say, “But I can see well, why should I bother?”
This blog will help you understand why this test matters, what it checks, and how it can protect your sight for the long term.
What Exactly is Eye Pressure?
Inside your eyes, there’s a special fluid that flows in and out, keeping your eyes nourished and helping them keep their round shape. The balance of this fluid creates something called intraocular pressure (IOP), or simply “eye pressure.”
Think about it like the pressure in a car tyre. If there’s too much pressure, the tyre can burst. If there’s too little, the tyre collapses. Your eye works similarly. Too much pressure for too long can quietly damage the optic nerve — the cable that connects your eye to your brain, and this damage is often permanent.
Why Checking Eye Pressure is Crucial in Lagos
Lagos is a busy city. Many of us spend long hours in traffic, working late on laptops, or staring at phones. Eye strain is common, but most people don’t realise that serious eye conditions like glaucoma don’t announce themselves with pain or sudden changes.
Here’s what makes it tricky:
- Glaucoma, strongly linked to high eye pressure, is one of the leading causes of blindness in Nigeria.
- It usually develops slowly, with no early warning signs.
- By the time you notice blurry vision or “patches” in your sight, the damage may already be permanent.
In other words, you could be losing sight quietly while going about your daily routine in Victoria Island, Ikeja, or Lekki, and not even know it.
That’s why an eye pressure test is so valuable. It helps catch the problem early, before it affects your vision.
How Eye Pressure Tests Are Done (No Pain, No Worry)
At our clinics in Ikeja and Victoria Island, patients are often relieved to find that the test is simple and painless. There are two main ways we do it:
- Air Puff Test – A gentle puff of air is blown onto your eye. It feels unusual the first time, but it doesn’t hurt at all.
- Tonometer Test – After numbing your eye with drops, a small device lightly touches the surface to measure pressure accurately.
Both take only a few seconds, and before you know it, it’s over. Most people leave surprised at how easy it was.
Who Should Take an Eye Pressure Test? While everyone can benefit, some groups of people in Lagos need to be extra careful:
- Over 40 years old – The risk of glaucoma increases as you age.
- Family history – If anyone in your family has glaucoma, you should check regularly.
- Diabetes and hypertension patients – Very common in Nigeria, and both increase the risk of eye problems.
- Those with long-term eye strain – Long hours on screens don’t directly raise eye pressure, but they mask symptoms that would otherwise make you visit the clinic.
- Anyone experiencing unexplained vision changes – Even if it’s mild.
Everyday Myths About Eye Pressure
Many Lagosians believe things about eye health that are not true. Let’s clear a few up:
- Myth: “I can see clearly, so my eyes are fine.”
Truth: High eye pressure and glaucoma can cause no symptoms until it’s too late. - Myth: “Eye pressure test is painful.”
Truth: It’s quick, safe, and painless. Most patients even laugh after the puff of air. - Myth: “Only old people need the test.”
Truth: Glaucoma can affect anyone, including young adults in their 20s and 30s.
How Often Should You Check Your Eye Pressure?
In Lagos, many people only visit the clinic when they notice vision problems. But that’s risky. Here’s what we recommend at Vision Plus Specialist Eye Clinic:
- Once a year, if you are under 40 with no risk factors.
- Every 6 months, if you are over 40, diabetic, hypertensive, or have a family history of glaucoma.
Remember: just like you won’t wait for your car to break down on Third Mainland Bridge before servicing it, don’t wait for your eyesight to fail before checking your eyes.
Why Vision Plus Eye Clinic is Trusted in Lagos
- Experienced specialists – Our ophthalmologists and optometrists focus on glaucoma care and prevention.
- Latest technology – For accurate, comfortable tests.
- Accessible locations – We’re in Victoria Island and Ikeja, within easy reach of Lekki, Ikoyi, Surulere, and the mainland.
- Affordable care with HMO support – Eye health should not be a luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does high eye pressure always mean glaucoma?
Not always. High pressure is a risk factor, but it doesn’t confirm glaucoma. That’s why further tests are sometimes needed.
2. Can I reduce eye pressure naturally?
There’s no proven natural cure, but lifestyle choices like eating well, exercising, and controlling blood pressure and diabetes can help overall eye health.
3. Can I test my eye pressure at home?
No. It requires special equipment. The safest option is to visit a certified eye clinic in Lagos.
4. Is the test safe for children?
Yes, children can safely have their eye pressure checked if needed.
Book an appointment or walk into our clinics today:
- Victoria Island Clinic: 30 Babatunde Jose Street, off Samuel Manuwa, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Call/WhatsApp: +234 816 907 4512 - Ikeja Clinic: 10 Omotayo Ojo Street, off Majekodunmi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.
