Ocular Hypertension
Ocular Hypertension
- Intraocular pressure: Over 21 mm Hg
- Risk factor: Number 1 for developing glaucoma
- Types of treatment: Drops, laser, and surgery
What is ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension occurs when the pressure inside the eye exceeds 21 mm Hg, which is considered the upper limit of normal intraocular pressure. The increased pressure is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma, as it can lead to optic nerve damage over time. However, ocular hypertension and glaucoma are distinct conditions:
- Ocular hypertension means that the intraocular pressure is high, but there is no damage to the optic nerve.
- Glaucoma, on the other hand, involves optic nerve damage that may occur even with normal or high intraocular pressure, potentially leading to a loss of peripheral or central vision in advanced stages.
What causes ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension occurs due to a malfunction in the drainage system of the aqueous humour, the fluid that nourishes and bathes the eye structures. When the aqueous humour does not drain properly, the balance between fluid production and drainage is disrupted, resulting in increased intraocular pressure.
Though anyone can develop ocular hypertension, certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- People with a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma
- Individuals over the age of 60
- Diabetics
- People who are very short-sighted or far-sighted
- Those who have experienced ocular trauma or other eye diseases
- Black and Asian individuals
- Patients with a narrow ocular angle
How can ocular hypertension be prevented?
While ocular hypertension itself cannot be prevented, it can be closely monitored and managed to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. Regular eye check-ups, particularly for those with risk factors, can help detect changes early. Treatment can help control intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve.
Symptoms
Ocular hypertension typically presents no symptoms. The increased intraocular pressure is usually unnoticed by patients, and visual disturbances may not occur unless the condition progresses to glaucoma.
- Acute glaucoma may cause sudden, severe pain, but this is rare.
- When ocular hypertension leads to glaucoma, peripheral vision loss may occur, but symptoms are often not noticeable until vision loss becomes significant, often in the later stages of the disease.
The only reliable way to detect ocular hypertension is through a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a tonometry test to measure intraocular pressure.