High Pressure in the Eye (Ocular Hypertension)

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KEY POINTS

• Ocular hypertension is pressure in your eyes that is higher than normal. The high pressure is caused by fluid building up inside your eye. It is not related to high blood pressure.
• If you have high pressure in your eye that is not causing problems, you may not need treatment. Your eye care provider may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure in your eyes.

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What is ocular hypertension?

Ocular hypertension is pressure in your eyes that is higher than normal. This high pressure increases your risk for glaucoma, which is damage to the nerve at the back of the eye that carries visual messages to the brain. With regular follow-up care to check for problems, most people maintain good vision. Ocular hypertension is often a life-long condition.

What is the cause?

The high pressure is caused by fluid building up inside your eye. It is not related to high blood pressure. Fluid buildup in your eye may be caused by:

• Blockages or tumors that prevent fluid from draining from your eye
• An injury to your eye
• Certain eye diseases
• Medicines such as steroids

You are more likely to have ocular hypertension if you have:

• A family history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension
• Diabetes
• African-American ancestry
• Severe nearsightedness

It is also more common in people over the age of 40.

What are the symptoms?

High pressure in your eye usually does not cause symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

Your eye care provider will examine your eyes and measure the pressure inside your eye. Your eye care provider may:

• Check for changes in your side vision caused by damage to the optic nerve
• Look at the optic nerve inside your eye
• Measure the thickness of your cornea
• Examine the drainage channels with a special mirrored lens

How is it treated?

If you have high pressure in your eye that is not causing problems, you may not need treatment. To help prevent glaucoma, your eye care provider may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure in your eyes.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment your healthcare provider prescribes. Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I prevent high pressure in the eyes?

High pressure in the eyes cannot be prevented, but having regular eye exams can help find problems early and may help prevent glaucoma.