How high must the pressure be in a eye order to cause damage optic nerve?

The pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), needs to be within a certain range for the eye to function properly. Too much pressure can damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.

The exact level of IOP that can cause damage to the optic nerve varies from person to person, but generally, IOP above 21-22 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is considered elevated and can potentially lead to optic nerve damage.

However, it's important to note that the relationship between IOP and optic nerve damage isn't straightforward. Some individuals may have relatively high IOP without any damage to the optic nerve, while others may experience damage at lower IOP levels.

Various factors, such as the individual's susceptibility to IOP-induced damage, the duration of elevated IOP, and other underlying eye conditions, can influence the likelihood of optic nerve damage.

Therefore, monitoring IOP is an important part of routine eye care, especially for individuals at risk of developing glaucoma, a condition characterized by damage to the optic nerve and progressive vision loss. Regular eye exams and IOP measurements can help identify individuals who need treatment to lower IOP and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.