High Eye Pressure

Introduction

High eye pressure is called ocular hypertension, where the pressure within the eye is higher than normal. However, this condition does not affect the eye's vision or anatomy. It is caused when fluid does not drain properly. A buildup of fluid can increase intraocular pressure. This increased pressure can be the initial sign of glaucoma. This eye condition can result in vision loss when left untreated. Read the article to know more.

What Is Meant by High Eye Pressure?

High eye pressure refers to increased intraocular pressure. It is caused by improper fluid drainage within the eye. The eyes constantly produce a clear fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid flows in the front portion of the eye and then drains out. Equal amounts of fluid flow in and out of the eye. If this fluid is not properly drained out, the intraocular pressure increases.

What Is the Normal Eye Pressure?

Normal eye pressure is 11 to 21 millimeters of mercury, measured the same way blood pressure is measured. If the ocular pressure exceeds 21 millimeters of mercury, the person may have high eye pressure in one or both eyes.

What Are the Causes of Ocular Hypertension?

The common cause of ocular hypertension is when excess fluid enters the eye and does not drain properly. Many conditions interfere with the fluid draining out of the eye; some are:

• Uveitis: This is a condition where the middle portion of the eye gets inflamed.

• Pigment Dispersion Syndrome: In this condition, tiny dots of pigment from the iris, the colored part of the eye, float inside the eye. As they float around the eye, they block the trabecular meshwork, a spongy tissue in the drainage angle. The aqueous humor present inside the eye drains through this trabecular meshwork.

• Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: In this condition, bits of protein develop in different body parts, including the eyes. This buildup can block the eye fluid from draining.

1. Huge cataracts can block the drainage route.

2. Presence of a tumor in the eye.

3. Any damage caused to the eye by injury or surgery.

4. Some medication.

• Chronic Angle Closure: In this condition, the iris blocks the trabecular meshwork, preventing fluid from draining.

What Are the Symptoms Related to Ocular Hypertension?

Ocular hypertension usually does not cause any symptoms. The person will learn about the condition only when the doctor diagnoses it. For early detection, the person should consult the doctor regularly. In very rare cases, the person can feel pain caused by the movement of the eyes.

What Is the Difference Between Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is caused by high eye pressure. This condition occurs when the eye pressure damages the optic nerve. The optic nerves are connected directly to the brain and send electrical signals, which are images.

What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Ocular Hypertension?

The risk factors of high eye pressure are

• High and low blood pressure.

• Diabetes.

• Myopia, which is nearsightedness.

• A thin cornea.

• The optic nerve causes bleeding.

• Pigment depression syndrome.

• People older than 40 years.

• Presence of family history of ocular hypertension.

• Hyperopia, which is farsightedness.

• Prior eye injury or eye surgery.

• Intake of some medication.

How Is High Eye Pressure Diagnosed?

The doctor will perform a complete eye examination. If the doctor suspects ocular hypertension, then they would recommend some tests, such as

• Gonioscopy: This test is done to examine the eye's drainage system. This test uses a lens and a type of microscope known as a slit lamp.

• Pachymetry: This test is done to measure the cornea thickness.

• Visual Field Test: This is done to examine the field of vision.

• Tonometry: This is done to measure the inner eye pressure.

• Optical Coherence Tomography: This test is done to check the health of the optic nerve tissue.

How Is Ocular Hypertension Managed?

The doctor usually recommends eye drops that help manage the pressure within the eye. They also monitor eye pressure through regular eye checkups. Medications which can help to reduce the eye pressure are

• Beta-blocker eye drops are used twice daily, which helps to reduce the amount of fluid produced in the eye.

• Prostaglandin eye drops are recommended to be used once daily to increase the amount of fluid drained.

• Rho kinase inhibitors help to reduce the amount of fluid being produced.

• Alpha-adrenergic eye drops are used two to three times daily, reducing fluid output and enhancing fluid throughput.

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor medication is used twice or thrice daily to reduce fluid output.

Most of these medications cause side effects, such as irritation or redness of the eyes. If a person fails to follow the prescribed medications, they will require surgery to lower their eye pressure. One such procedure is laser trabeculoplasty, which opens up the blockages.

What Are Preventive Measures for Ocular Hypertension?

Some lifestyle changes can help to maintain good eye health and prevent high eye pressure. Some preventive measures are

• The person should have regular eye checkups. As this condition does not show symptoms, early diagnosis can be done with regular eye checkups.

• Quit smoking.

• Wearing sunglasses and protective eye gear.

• Regular breaks are needed when the person is working on screens.

• Take measures to avoid eye infections.

• Protective eyewear should be worn when the person is at work or during any sports activity.

• Intake of a healthy diet, which includes green leafy vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, salmon, tuna, etc.

• Regular exercise.

• The blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels should be maintained well.

• Measures need to be taken to relieve stress.

What Is the Prognosis of Ocular Hypertension?

There is no permanent cure for high eye pressure, but treatment and constant monitoring can help manage the condition. People with high eye pressure are at risk of developing glaucoma.

Conclusion

High eye pressure occurs when fluid in the eye accumulates instead of draining out. It does not show any symptoms and can be the initial cause of developing glaucoma. It needs to be treated with the prescribed medication. It can also cause optic nerve damage. So, this condition can be managed without progressing further with proper care and regular eye checkups.