Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), plays a vital role in maintaining eye health. Keeping it within a healthy range helps protect the optic nerve and preserve vision. However, many people don’t think about eye pressure until they’re diagnosed with ocular hypertension (elevated eye pressure) or diseases like glaucoma. Understanding its importance can help you take steps to protect your vision.
What Is Eye Pressure?
Intraocular pressure (IOP), also called eye pressure, is the force of the fluid inside your eye, known as aqueous humor, pressing against the inner walls of the eye. In a healthy eye, new aqueous humor constantly flows in while an equal amount drains out through the drainage angle, located in front of the iris. This balance maintains stable eye pressure. However, if the fluid doesn’t drain properly, pressure can build up, potentially leading to problems.
The Importance of Healthy Eye Pressure
Maintaining normal eye pressure is crucial for protecting your optic nerve—the part of your eye responsible for sending visual information to the brain. If eye pressure is too high, it can damage the optic nerve over time, leading to glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. This is why eye pressure is regularly tested during eye exams.
How Eye Pressure Is Measured
Eye pressure is measured using a test called tonometry, which is quick, non-invasive, and often the most dreaded part of an eye exam. Many people feel nervous about this test because it involves a puff of air or a small probe on the eye. However, the procedure is easy and over in seconds, providing valuable information about the health of your eyes.
Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, like blood pressure is. Healthy eye pressure typically falls between 10 and 21 mmHg. While pressure outside this range may signal a concern, high eye pressure alone doesn’t mean you have glaucoma—just as some people with normal eye pressure can still develop the disease.
Managing High Eye Pressure
If you have ocular hypertension, treatment typically begins with prescription eye drops designed to reduce fluid production or improve drainage. In addition to medication,
lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and managing stress can also contribute to keeping your eye pressure in check.
If elevated eye pressure leads to glaucoma, treatment focuses on lowering the pressure to prevent further damage. Initially, prescription eye drops are used to control pressure, but if they aren’t effective, surgical options like laser trabeculoplasty, filtering surgery (trabeculectomy), or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) may be recommended to help manage your eye pressure.
Expert Care – Close to Home
If you’re concerned about elevated intraocular pressure or have already been diagnosed with glaucoma, our team at Eye Center South is here to help. With locations in Dothan, AL, Andalusia, AL, Montgomery, AL, Panama City, FL, Destin, FL, and Tallahassee, FL, our team is dedicated to supporting your eye health. Schedule your appointment at Eye Center South today – Call us at (800) 467-1393 or request an appointment online.
