What Is the Reason for Eye Pressure?

Eye pressure, technically referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP), is determined by the amount of fluids (aqueous humor) filling the eye. When eye pressure exceeds normal levels, this is called ocular hypertension.

Eye Fluids

• The eye needs a constant flow of aqueous humor fluids to keep it moist, protect its nerves, provide nutrients to the cornea and lens, and to bathe the inner eye, protecting it from particles and infection. When a blockage of outflow occurs, the fluids build up, increasing ocular pressure and causing ocular hypertension.

Age

• AllAboutVision.com reports that ocular hypertension can occur in anyone, but it is most often associated with age, since the delicate parts and functions of the eye begin to slow down and malfunction. High IOP is most common in people over 40 years old, and eMedicine says IOP slowly rises with age, classifying age over 40 as a "risk factor."

Gender

• eMedicine says that some studies show a substantially higher average IOP in women than in men. Other studies suggest that women are at higher risk for ocular hypertension after menopause.

Race

• AllAboutVision.com and eMedicine indicate that African Americans experience higher eye pressure than other races, and ocular hypertension is significantly more common for African Americans than for whites. According to eMedicine, a study on eye pressure showed that African Americans with high IOP are five times more likely to experience glaucoma than other races.

Retinal Occlusions

• Occlusions are blockages in passageways that affect the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Retinal vein occlusions and retinal artery occlusions are eye conditions that lead to increased eye pressure, sometimes resulting in vision loss.

Glaucoma

• Glaucoma is an eye condition of excessively high eye pressure that causes optic nerve damage and vision loss. Ocular hypertension is the first and most significant sign of glaucoma.