What Are the Causes of Intraocular Eye Pressure?

Intraocular eye pressure is caused by a buildup of fluid that results in an increase in pressure inside the eye. This can also occur when the eye does not drain properly. Increased intraocular pressure causes glaucoma, a decrease in peripheral or central vision.

Identification

• Identifying intraocular pressure is done with a tonometry device that exerts pressure on the eye. The amount of pressure that it takes to flatten the eye is the result of the pressure. Normal intraocular pressure is between 10 and 20 mm Hg of mercury.

Time Frame

• Routine eye exams must be followed so that the ophthalmologist can check intraocular pressure to determine if it is elevated. The test takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless.

Warning

• Increased intraocular pressure must be promptly recognized and diagnosed, as it can be a warning sign of glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma can result in loss of vision, particularly peripheral vision.

Prevention/Solution

• Increased intraocular pressure cannot be prevented, but it can be effectively treated with daily eye drops that help lower eye pressure. Laser surgery can also be implemented that can relieve eye pressure buildup and relieve intraocular eye pressure.

Considerations

• Increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma tends to run in families. Children of a parent who has high intraocular pressure needs to have regular eye exams so that the first sign of an elevated intraocular pressure can be recognized and addressed.