What Are the Causes of Increased Intraocular Pressure?

Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye is known as ocular hypertension. By itself, increased intraocular pressure doesn’t damage your vision, but it may lead to glaucoma and other vision problems. There are various possible causes for this condition.

Causes

• Intraocular pressure in the eye can become elevated
  due to excess production of aqueous fluid in the eye or inadequate drainage. Trauma to the eye and certain medications such as steroids can also cause this condition.

Risk Factors

• Ocular hypertension is most common in African Americans and people over 40. If you have a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma, you are at increased risk of developing this condition.

Conditions

• Certain health conditions can lead to increase IOP. According to All About Vision, these conditions include diabetes and high amounts of nearsightedness.

Considerations

• According to eMedicine, some studies suggest that women could be at higher risk than men for increased IOP, especially after menopause.

Significance

• According to eMedicine Health, about four to 10 percent of adults over 40 in the U.S. have ocular hypertension. Since more than 130,000 people in the United States are legally blind because of glaucoma, it is important to identify and closely monitor people who are at risk of developing this disease.