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What Is Considered High Pressure in the Eye?

High eye pressure, technically referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP), is an eye condition that can result in vision deficiencies and eye disease. Such elevated eye pressure is called ocular hypertension, which is characterized by an imbalance in eye fluids. Ocular hypertension is strongly linked to glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss.

  1. Significance

    • High eye pressure threatens to damage the optic nerve, which is a vital part of eye structure that is responsible for vision. Ocular hypertension is the primary risk factor of glaucoma eye disease, which has caused blindness in more than 130,000 Americans.

    Features

    • Ocular hypertension occurs when the eye is producing more fluids (aqueous humor) than it can drain because of a blockage in a drainage channel. Normally, these fluids protect, bathe and help supply nutrients and oxygen to the eye in a continuous process of fluid production and outflow, but a buildup of fluids creates a dangerous imbalance.

    Measurement of IOP

    • Ophthalmologists and optometrists use an instrument called a tonometer to determine eye pressure, which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

    Implications

    • According to SteadyHealth.com's report on eye pressure, normal pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mm Hg. Any tonometry measurement more than 21 mm Hg is a sign of ocular hypertension.

    Causes and Symptoms

    • Ocular hypertension occurs with age, beginning at 40, according to AllAboutVision.com. It can also occur because of a trauma or injury to the head or eye. Typically, symptoms are few, if any, until vision damage has already occurred. However, in some cases, light sensitivity, cloudy vision, headaches, eye pain, eye inflammation and loss of peripheral vision may occur.

    Treatment

    • Treatments attempt to lower IOP by draining the eye and/or decreasing fluid production. Eye drops and oral medications are typical treatments for decreasing fluid quantity, while laser surgery and eye implants add new drainage paths to lower eye pressure.

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