What is intraocular pressure?
The pressure inside the eye is called intraocular pressure (IOP). The eye contains a fluid-like substance that maintains the shape of the eye and provides nourishment to the eye. This fluid is produced inside the eye at a certain rate and exits through a certain path to maintain the balance of eye pressure. In healthy eyes, IOP is within a normal range, usually between 12 and 22 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). When this pressure exceeds normal limits, it can have adverse effects on the eyes. Also normal eye pressure can vary during the day and may vary from person to person.
Symptoms of increased eye pressure
In the initial stage, if the eye pressure increases, there are no symptoms except mild pain. That’s why regular eye exams are important. However, if the condition worsens day by day, some symptoms appear. For example,
- Eye vision may be blurred or blurred.
- There may be pain in the eye, headache and an uncomfortable feeling around the eye.
- There may be redness in the eyes.
- In some cases, patients may notice halos or rainbow-like rings around them when looking at lights, especially at night.
- Eyes can only see the front view, side or side view is difficult.
Causes of Glaucoma
Excess aqueous humor production
The fluid inside the eye is called aqueous humor. If the production of this fluid increases for some reason, the pressure in the eye increases. Uncontrolled diabetes, various types of brain tumors, infectious diseases of the eye, etc. can lead to the production of excess aqueous humor.
Ocular hypertension
If the fluid produced inside the eye area does not drain properly, the eye pressure can increase. This excess pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness.
Eye inflammation
Any disease or inflammation can increase eye pressure. Any type of infection or inflammation in the middle part of the eye causes the eye pressure to increase.
Uncontrolled drugs
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase eye pressure if used for a long time.
injury
Eye pressure can increase if the drainage of eye fluid is blocked due to some type of injury.
eye tumor
Tumors in or around the eye area can disrupt the eye’s drainage system, causing increased eye pressure.
age
Eye pressure can sometimes increase with age .
Treatment of increased eye pressure
The main goal of treatment is to prevent damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision when eye pressure increases. This treatment can be done in different ways.
Through medicine
Various eye drops, such as prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, can help lower IOP by reducing the production of aqueous humor or increasing its drainage.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy can correct any defects in the way the eye fluid drains.
Surgery
When medications and laser therapy are ineffective, various advanced surgeries can reduce excess eye pressure.
What to do to prevent glaucoma
Eye pressure increases due to factors such as age and genetics , but is out of our control.However, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk so that it does not increase further. For example,
1) Regular eye examination can detect IOP rise in early stages. Timely treatment can be started in this.
2) IOP is measured using tonometry during an eye exam. Frequent monitoring is required if IOP continues to rise.
3) Corneal thickness is measured with an ultrasound probe to determine if the intraocular pressure measurement is correct. If the cornea is thinner, the IOP reading will show lower pressure, just as if the cornea is thicker, the reading will show higher pressure.
High eye pressure can be asymptomatic, but the potential for glaucoma and vision loss should not be ignored. Regular eye exams and proactive management are crucial for early detection and proper treatment. By taking these steps, people with ocular hypertension can protect their vision and maintain optimal eye health.
Source: Shajgoj