What is Ocular Hypertension?
Ocular hypertension is a pressure in your eyes that is higher than normal. Ocular hypertension is a symptom, not a disease. This high pressure can, but does not always damage the eyes or change your vision.
What is the cause of Ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension can be caused by:
- blockages or tumors in the ducts that allow fluid to drain from the eye
- an injury to the eye
- certain eye diseases
- medicines such as steroids
Ocular hypertension is most common in people who have:
- a family history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension
- diabetes
- African-American ancestry
This condition is also more common in people over the age of 40. Ocular hypertension is not related to high blood pressure.
How is Ocular hypertension diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your eyes and measure the pressure inside the eye. An eye pressure reading of 21 mmHg or higher means that you have ocular hypertension. The doctor may:
- check for alteration in your side vision that is caused by damage to the optic nerve
- have a look at the optic nerve inside your eye
- measure the thickness of your cornea
- examine the drainage channels with a special mirrored lens
How can someone prevent future problems?
Let your doctor know that you have ocular hypertension. Keep all appointments for checkups. If you develop headaches, eye pain, or loss of vision, contact your provider right away.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension usually does not cause any of the symptoms.
Treatment
How is Ocular hypertension treated?
If you have ocular hypertension, you may not need treatment. Because ocular hypertension increases your risk for glaucoma, you should have regular eye tests.
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or other medicines to reduce the pressure in your eyes. Ocular hypertension is a life-long condition.
