How High Intraocular Pressure Jeopardizes Your Vision

High intraocular pressure, or ocular hypertension, is a condition in which the pressure in the eye remains elevated. It is the result of a dysfunction within the eye’s drainage system and signals a more serious condition, like glaucoma. Schwartz Laser is dedicated to helping you maintain the health of your eyes. Ahead, learn more about protecting your vision.

What Causes High Intraocular Pressure?

Increased eye pressure is caused when the aqueous humor that is created in the eye does not drain from the eye as expected. There are several conditions that can cause this, including:

Uveitis: This condition is a type of eye inflammation that impacts the middle of the eye.

Pigment dispersion syndrome: PDS is a form of open-angle glaucoma in which granules of pigment from the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, break away and float to other parts of the eye, including the eye’s drainage angle, where they can cause a blockage.

Cataracts: Cataracts are the clouding of the natural eye lens, an area that is supposed to be transparent. When the cataract is particularly large and dense, it can close the drainage angle in the eye.

Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can lead to high eye pressure.

Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma

Glaucoma is associated with elevated eye pressure. Over time, this increased pressure can impact the optic nerve, damaging it and jeopardizing your vision in the process.

Symptoms

It is important for patients to realize that high intraocular pressure usually does not present symptoms. It is important to have regular eye examinations so that this and other conditions can be properly diagnosed.

Are You at Risk?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing high intraocular pressure, including:

• Being age 40
• Family history of glaucoma or high eye pressure
• Severe refractive errors
• Medical conditions like diabetes or pigment dispersion syndrome
• Hypertension
• Injury or trauma to the eye

Treating High Intraocular Pressure

High intraocular pressure treatment is related to your risk of developing glaucoma. For patients who have a high risk, eye drops may be prescribed to help manage high pressure within the eye. In addition, the team at Schwartz Laser may recommend laser treatment to lower intraocular pressure.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have high intraocular pressure, early treatment can help reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. Regular eye examinations are key to preserving your vision. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.