Normal Intraocular Eye Pressure Range

Eye pressure, technically referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP), is an important indicator of eye and vision health, particularly for people over 40, according to AllAboutVision.com. Abnormal eye pressure can lead to visually debilitating eye conditions.

Significance

• High IOP is dangerous for the eye's optic nerve, which is responsible for vision. According to AllAboutVision.com elevated IOP is the primary risk factor associated with glaucoma, the leading worldwide cause of blindness.

Normal IOP

• A normal IOP range is characterized by a balance in the production and drainage of eye fluids (technically called aqueous humor). Normal pressure implies that the flow of fluids, from the fluid-producing cells to the drainage passageways, is continuous, without any blockages or fluid buildup.

Ocular Hypertension

• Elevated IOP, called ocular hypertension, occurs with the overly abundant presence of fluids due to a blockage in the eye's drainage system. Ocular hypertension is strongly associated with glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss.

Measuring IOP

• Ophthalmologists and/or optometrists use an instrument called a tonometer to measure eye pressure, which is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), according to eMedicineHealth.com.

Measurement Range

• According to SteadyHealth.com, the normal IOP range is from 10 to 21 mm Hg. Ocular hypertension is when the tonometry finds IOP to be greater than 21 mm Hg.

Prevention/Solution

• According to eMedicineHealth.com, abnormal IOP has no signs or symptoms until damage has already occurred at the optic nerve. So regular eye exams are necessary in order to be certain IOP is within normal range. If IOP is elevated, eye drops are prescribed to promote drainage, thereby lowering pressure.