High Eye Pressure

Pressure produced due to the presence of aqueous humor, the thick watery fluid in the eye, is referred to as 'eye pressure' or 'Intra-ocular Pressure (IOP)' or 'ocular pressure'. Aqueous humor is the liquid that is found in the space between the eye lens and the cornea. It nourishes and protects the eye. It also helps maintain the shape of the eye. Slight change in the production and drainage of aqueous humor can affect IOP significantly. Optic nerve being hypersensitive to minute changes in IOP, can get damaged due to elevated IOP.

Eye pressure is measured in 'millimeters of mercury' (mmHg). Ophthalmologists use tonometer to measure IOP. The procedure of measuring eye pressure does not cause any pain or discomfort because doctors use eye drops to bring about numbness in eyes. Normal eye pressure range is 10-20 mmHg. IOP higher than 20 mmHg, is referred to as high eye pressure or ocular hypertension, which is considered as one of the important risk factors for glaucoma.

Ocular Hypertension

Causes
Improper ratio of the production and drainage of aqueous humor is the main cause of higher than normal eye pressure. Dysfunction of drainage channels leads to increased amount of aqueous humor in the eye which eventually raises the pressure in the eyes. Too much fluid in the eye can lead to optic nerve damage. Excessive consumption of caffeine can increase eye pressure significantly. Normal eye pressure is influenced by heart rate and respiration. Use of certain medicines and drugs can lead to ocular hypertension. Some physical activities like lifting heavy objects or standing upside down, can increase eye pressure temporarily. It is believed that psychological stress plays an important role in increasing the ocular pressure. Defective eye structure, eye infections, inflammation of the eye due to various eye diseases, eye injuries can result in high IOP. Family history or genetic factors do play an important role in eye pressure problems. Sometimes, IOP increases as a result of side effect of medications or exercises. Eye pressure increases naturally along with aging. Proper eye care is essential to enjoy unaffected vision.

Symptoms
Usually, in early stages, no symptoms are noticed by people who have high IOP. Elderly are especially at high risk of increased IOP. Pain behind eye, headache, blurred vision, reddening of the eye or inflammation of the eye can be sometimes noticed. Eye pain due to increased pressure in the eye requires prompt medication. Some people experience gradual loss of vision while some may experience sudden loss of vision. Since no symptoms are noticed in early stages, high IOP is many times detected when serious problem like loss of vision is experienced by the person. Very high ocular pressure may result in nausea and vomiting. There can be difference in the eye pressures of two eyes. It can cause glaucoma, iritis or retinal detachment.

Treatment
Prescribed medicines help lower eye pressure. Simple cardiovascular exercises like walking, jogging, running can help regulate the pressure. Yoga and aerobics also help maintain the normal pressure. Optic nerve damage is usually irreversible. Increased pressure after cataract surgery is controlled with the help of eye drops, a laser procedure, pills or additional surgery. Beta blockers help prevent excessive production of eye fluid. Surgery may be performed in extreme cases. Heart disease, diabetes, constriction of the blood vessels, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol abuse, excessive smoking are all considered as risk factors for high IOP. Prompt treatment of diseases and disorders is essential to prevent high eye pressure.

An increase in eye pressure can eventually damage the optic nerve and can lead to complete blindness. Regular eye check-up can help detect asymptomatic eye problems and can help save vision. You can visit a nearby clinic for eye check-up, twice a year, to ensure that you do not have any threatening issues.