What Is a Good Eye Pressure?

Eye pressure is created by continuous fluid renewal in the eye. Normal eye pressure ranges between 10 to 20 mm Hg. Tonometry measures eye pressure by using a probe to flatten the cornea to determine how much pressure it takes for it to flatten. High eye pressure can result in glaucoma.

Types

• Types of glaucoma that cause elevated eye pressure are open angle glaucoma, which has a gradual onset, and acute angle glaucoma, which comes on suddenly and is a medical emergency.

Features

• Open angle glaucoma causes gradual loss of vision and is painless. In this condition, eye pressure goes up slowly, however, in acute angle glaucoma, eye pressure spikes up suddenly and is accompanied by severe headache, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting.

Time Frame

• Open angle glaucoma is a chronic condition that progresses slowly, however, acute angle glaucoma appears suddenly and is a medical emergency. Treatment for acute angle glaucoma must be instituted quickly by an ophthalmologist or blindness may occur.

Prevention/Solution

• Solutions to maintain a good eye pressure may include daily use of eye drops, surgical intervention or oral medications. Regular exams by the ophthalmologist are crucial in the evaluation and treatment of glaucoma and elevated eye pressure.

Potential

• Elevation in eye pressure can potentially result in severe visual deficits or blindness. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment is important in restoring good eye pressure.