Healthy Eye Pressure

Regular eye exams are important to the overall health and function of the eyes, and testing the eye pressure is an intricate part of any routine exam. The human eye naturally cleanses and nourishes itself with a liquid known as "aqueous" fluid. According to St. Luke's Eye, aqueous fluid is colorless and produced by the ciliary body, which is located within the tissue surrounding the eye. It is the aqueous fluid that is measured during a glaucoma test, which will reveal the presence of unstable or healthy eye pressure.

What is Eye Pressure?

• Eye pressure is the measurement of fluid pressure, or force, within the eye. In a healthy eye, the drainage system that controls the amount of fluid inside the eye functions as expected. But, eye pressure that is on the rise denotes impaired drainage function, and not necessarily an over-production of eye fluid. Glaucoma Associates of New York explains that the drainage system in the human eye is referred to as "trabecular" meshwork. When the trabecular meshwork is faulty, fluid pressure builds and the eye becomes deprived of oxygen.

The Test

• Eye pressure is measured using a tonometry test. According to MedicineNet.com, the tonometry test utilizes a small sensor and puff of air that is able to measure the fluid pressure in the eye, without actually touching the eye. A tonometry test is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is the primary unit for measuring pressure. The tonometry test results for healthy eye pressure fall between 10mmHg and 21mmHg.

Medications

• Patients diagnosed with glaucoma (high eye pressure) can benefit from the use of medications that will help to maintain healthy eye pressure. The National Eye Institute reveals that eye-pressure management medications are available in the form of pills and liquid eye drops, which require regular use. The ophthalmologist (eye specialist) that is monitoring the patient's eye pressure will decide if pills, eye drops or both will be required to achieve a healthy eye-pressure reading.

Oxygen Therapy

• Patients with diabetes sometimes have a difficult time maintaining healthy eye pressure. In fact, the further along a patient is in his diabetes, the more of a chance he has of developing glaucoma. According to the American Institute of Physics, oxygen therapy is being implemented for at-risk patients. Inhaling increased oxygen amounts promotes better trabecular drainage, and promotes healthy eye pressure.

Skip the Necktie

• Patients who are concerned about healthy eye pressure may wish to consider altering their wardrobes. In fact, the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary reports that eye pressure tends to rise with the tightening of a necktie. In short, if the knot of the necktie is so tight that it is causing discomfort, it can adversely affect even the healthiest eye pressure.