An important element of keeping your intraocular pressure (IOP) stable is your eye fluid production. If your eye fluid production develops any abnormalities, you may experience a sudden rise in your IOP, a condition referred to as ocular hypertension. Here, your provider of premier eyeglasses, EyeSite of the Villages, answers common questions about this problem.

Q: What Causes Ocular Hypertension?

Aqueous humor pertains to the clear fluid in the front part of your eyes. The aqueous humor needs to be produced and emptied at a precise and constant level to maintain a healthy IOP. Structural infirmities or obstructions may impede this process, causing fluid build-up. As fluid volume increases, the pressure inside your eyes rises as well, leading to ocular hypertension.

Q: How Is It Different From Glaucoma?

Your expert optometrist explains that ocular hypertension involves a high IOP level, but with no evident structural or functional changes in your eyes. Glaucoma, on the other hand, occurs when an increase in IOP compresses your optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma may eventually lead to vision loss.

Q: How Does Ocular Hypertension Affect My Visual Health?

While ocular hypertension may not produce any vision changes, it may increase your risk of developing glaucoma. This is why we recommend having comprehensive eye exams regularly. We may include glaucoma screening tests during your clinic appointment.

Q: What Is the Recommended Management?

We will perform a tonometry test to measure your current IOP level. If the results reveal values above 12-22 mm Hg, we may prescribe IOP-reducing eye drops as part of your eye care management. We may also have you undergo our iWellnessExam™ SD- OCT retinal evaluation. This procedure uses the latest technologies to capture highly defined cross-sectional pictures of your retina and other internal structures, including your optic nerve.

If you have any further questions about ocular hypertension, call us at (352) 674-3937.