What Is Ocular Hypertension?

Ocular hypertension occurs when the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eyes is above normal levels, but not high enough to cause vision problems. Ocular hypertension is closely linked to glaucoma, a serious eye disease that causes optic nerve damage and significant vision loss.

Signs

• Ocular hypertension has no outward signs such as redness, pain or vision changes. This is why regular eye exams are so essential to vision health.

Tests

• Eye pressure is checked with an instrument called a tonometer. A noncontact tonometer directs a puff of air into the eye to get a pressure reading, while an applanation tonometer is gently placed on the surface of the eye to read ocular pressure.

Causes

• Ocular hypertension can be caused by eye trauma and certain medications, including steroids. IOP levels can also rise due to a buildup of excessive eye fluids.

Risk Factors

• Ocular hypertension is most common in patients who are older than 40, diabetic or African-American. Individuals with a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma also have a greater risk of developing this condition.

Treatment

• Some eye doctors prescribe eyedrops that lower IOP levels. Other doctors opt to monitor IOP levels and take action only if patients are showing symptoms of glaucoma.