What Is Ocular Hypertension?
The anterior aspect of the eyes contain fluid. When these fluids don’t drain well, it causes accumulation of pressure. When the pressure in the eyes (intraocular pressure) is higher than normal it is called ocular hypertension. Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The pressure in the eyes normally lies between 10-21 mmHg. Ocular hypertension occurs when the pressure in the eye is greater than 21mm Hg.
More research is being done to understand this condition better. Ocular hypertension exhibits the following characteristics:
- The pressure in the eyes is larger than 21 mmHg in one or both eyes after visiting a doctor twice or more. Intraocular pressure can be measured with a tonometer.
- The optic nerve looks normal
- Absence of glaucoma [1] is observed on visual field testing, which is used to measure your peripheral (or side) vision.
- Your doctor checks to know if your drainage system is open or closed to determine other potential causes of high eye pressure.
- Absence of any ocular disease. in some cases, other eye diseases may elevate the intraocular pressure
You should not see ocular hypertension as a major disease. It is a condition that is seen in people with increased risks of having glaucoma. This is why people with ocular hypertension are called “glaucoma suspect.” Most people develop glaucoma because of increased pressure in the eye. It causes damage to the optic nerve.