What Is Eye Pressure?
If you are under the age of 40, then it’s likely that you have never experienced high eye pressure, which is also known as intraocular pressure. That’s because the risk of high eye pressure increases with age. But what is high eye pressure? There are channels that are responsible for draining fluid from our eyes. The fluids are produced naturally and regularly. However, when these drainage channels are not functioning properly, the fluid gets trapped inside the eye, causing an abnormal level of pressure. When eye pressure is above 21 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury), an excess of pressure has built up in the eye. This is what is known as high eye pressure, or intraocular pressure. The normal range for healthy eyes is between 10 and 21 mm Hg. Anything above 21 mm Hg needs to be addressed by your eye doctor. In the following post, we will be taking a closer look at eye pressure. If you have any concerns about your eyes, get in touch with us here at Northwest Eye Center.
Risk Factors & Causes of Intraocular Pressure
High eye pressure occurs when the fluid of the eye is unable to drain properly. But what’s so bad about that? For one thing, dangerously high intraocular pressure can lead to glaucoma, which can impair vision. High eye pressure doesn’t always cause symptoms, but it is not uncommon for people with high eye pressure to actually feel the pressure in their eyes.
Here are some of the most common causes of high eye pressure:
- Age – While eye pressure does not necessarily increase with age, the drainage channels in our eyes become more susceptible as we get older. Generally, individuals over the age of 40 are at higher risk for developing high eye pressure.
- Family History – If your family has a history of ocular hypertension (high eye pressure), you are more likely to develop the condition.
- Accidents Involving the Eyes – If you have suffered eye trauma in the past, you may be more likely to have high eye pressure.
- Medications – There are some medications that cause side effects, including high eye pressure.
- Excessive Fluid – There are some conditions that cause an excess of eye fluid to be produced. In these cases, it is not uncommon for the patient to also develop intraocular pressure.
Contact Northwest Eye Center
There are some ways to lower your risk for high eye pressure, such as exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, sleeping with your head elevated, and reducing stress. But by far, the best way to avoid high eye pressure is to schedule regular eye exams. Here at Northwest Eye Center, we use state-of-the-art equipment in our eye exams. We can check for high eye pressure, myopia, glaucoma, and many other conditions. Your vision is too important to leave to chance, so schedule a visit with us today!