A Short Guide to Ocular Hypertension

Intraocular pressure refers to the fluid pressure in your eyes, and it helps support the shape of your eyes. Ocular hypertension is when your eye’s intraocular pressure becomes higher than usual. It can be an indicator of an eye condition, such as glaucoma. 

Causes of Ocular Hypertension

While ocular hypertension isn’t an eye condition itself, it still has several causes that you need to look out for, including:

• Overproduction of aqueous. Aqueous is the clear, watery fluid in your eye. It is found behind the iris, and its main function is to supply oxygen and nutrients to the lens and maintain intraocular pressure. It flows into the eye via the pupil and fills the gap between the iris and cornea. Then, it is regularly drained through your eye’s trabecular meshwork. If your eye produces more aqueous than it can drain, your intraocular pressure can increase.

• Aqueous drainage problem. When your aqueous drains too slowly, it can accumulate in your eye and increase eye pressure.

• Physical trauma to the eye. Physical injuries can also interfere with the aqueous in your eye. The added pressure can result in increased intraocular pressure, which leads to ocular hypertension.

How Is It Detected?

Ocular hypertension doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms, making it hard to detect by yourself. A regular eye exam is the only way to determine if the pressure in your eyes is normal. Eye doctors typically use an instrument called a tonometer to test for ocular hypertension.

How Can It Affect You?

High intraocular pressure is attributed to glaucoma. Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a group of eye conditions that can cause vision loss, which typically results from a damaged optic nerve. However, it is important to note that ocular hypertension doesn’t necessarily lead to glaucoma, but it is known as an indicator for the formation of glaucoma.

Who Are at Risk?

Ocular hypertension is mostly observed in older demographics, but it can still happen to younger people, depending on their general eye health and any existing conditions.

When you need reliable eye doctors to detect or treat eye problems, you can always trust the experts at Insight Vision Center Optometry. Our eye specialists are trained and experienced in handling various types of eye conditions. Schedule an eye exam by filling out our contact form or calling us at (714) 486-3315.