Intraocular Pressure
Eye pressure (intraocular pressure) is controlled by a watery fluid called aqueous humour. This fills the front portion of the eye. This fluid is made in the ciliary body (a ring of tissue behind the coloured part of the eye, which is called the iris). It flows through the pupil and drains away through tiny drainage channels known as the trabecular meshwork. This is located in the drainage angle between the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) and the iris.
In a normal eye, there is a fine balance between the production and drainage of this fluid, but in some cases there is an imbalance. Most cases of glaucoma occur because the flow of fluid out of the eye becomes restricted and the pressure in the eye rises.
Ocular Hypertension
The term ocular hypertension normally refers to any conditionin where the pressure inside the eye, (intraocular pressure) is higher than normal. Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal eye pressure ranges from 10-21 mm Hg. Ocular hypertension is an eye pressure of greater than 21 mm Hg.
Ocular hypertension is generally not considered a disorder by itself. Rather, ocular hypertension is a term that is used to describe individuals who should be observed more closely than the general population for the onset of glaucoma. For this reason, another term that may be used to refer to an increase in intraocular pressure is glaucoma suspect.
Symptoms
Most people with ocular hypertension generally do not experience any symptom. Due to this, regular eye check-ups with an ophthalmologist are very essential to rule out any damage caused to the optic nerve from the high pressure.
Treatment
If your ophthalmologist recommends medications to help lower the pressure inside your eye, properly fo;;owingthe medication and complying with your doctor’s instructions are very important. Not doing so could result in a further increase in intraocular pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss (ie, glaucoma).
