Ocular Hypertension or High Eye Pressure
- There are some people who have higher than average eye pressure, but this pressure does not cause any damage to their optic nerve. This is known as ocular hypertension instead of glaucoma.
- The optic nerve in these individuals is strong and able to withstand damage that would normally be caused by the higher eye pressure.
- The normal range of eye pressure is between 10 to 21 mm Hg.
- If a repeatably higher pressure is found during routine examination, then the optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist for a detailed eye check-up. This is to ensure that the high pressure is not causing any damage to the optic nerve. A high pressure can be completely safe for some eyes.
- If a person is diagnosed with ocular hypertension, the risk of developing glaucoma can increase; therefore, regular eye examinations are necessary.
- Sometimes, even if there isn’t any problem the optometrist or ophthalmologist may prescribe you eye drops to decrease your eye pressure and reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. After testing you may be discharged back to the care of your optometrist if there are no signs of glaucoma or you seem at low risk of developing glaucoma.
- It is important to get your eyes checked regularly to ensure no further changes occur.
Accuracy
While care has been taken to compile accurate information and to keep it up to date, Mr Agarwal cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness. The information provided in this information sheet is designed to support care and is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice, by a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional, which will be tailored to a patient’s individual circumstances.