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What is ocular hypertension? | Treatment | Risk Factors

What is ocular hypertension?

The eyeball contains a fluid called aqueous that is constantly being changed. Sometimes this fluid builds up causing an increase in pressure in the eye. When the pressure rises above a normal range, we say ocular hypertension is present.

Medical science doesn't know why the fluid builds up, but the result of high intraocular pressure is either ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Ocular hypertension is characterized by high pressure in the eye, but there is no damage to the optic nerve and no vision loss. If vision loss occurs, the resulting disease is known as glaucoma. Ocular hypertension can develop into glaucoma, but this does not necessarily happen. If a person develops ocular hypertension, he or she should be monitored closely to make sure glaucoma doesn't develop. There are no noticeable symptoms in early stages of either ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

Treatment

As a precautionary measure, ocular hypertension may be treated with medication to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent the development of glaucoma.

Risk factors

• African descent
• Age greater than forty
• Family history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension
• Nearsightedness
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Some medications

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms described here, it does not necessarily mean you have ocular hypertension. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor for a complete exam. Click here for information on emergency or immediate care.