Ocular Hypertension
What is ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension is an elevation of the pressure in the eye abovethe rage considered normal with no detectable changes in vison or damage to the structures of the yee. The term is used to distinguish patients with above normal pressure from those who have glaucoma, a progressive disease of the eyes. More about glaucoma can be found here.
Most patients withocular hypertension will not develop glaucoma. However, because there is an increased risk of glaucoma in patients with ocular hypertension, it is very important to follow the recommendations of our optometrists.
What are the symptoms of ocular hypertension?
What causes ocular hypertension?
The cause of ocular hypertension is relatively unknown.
Who develops ocular hypertension?
Research shows that ocular hypertension occurs in people of all ages, and like glaucoma, it occurs more frequently in those over age 40, African-Americans, and those with histories of ocular hypertension or glaucoma in their families.
Ocular hypertension is also more common in those who are very nearsighted (myopic) or who have diabetes or high blood pressure.
How is it diagnosed?
Unfortunatley, you will be unable to tell if you have or are developing ocular hypertension. There are no symptoms such as pain, a feeling of pressure in or arond the eye, or changes in vision. Ocular hypertension can only be diagnosed through a series of tests, including a measurement of the eye's pressure and an examination of the inner structures of the eye. This is a primary reason why yearly comprehensive eye examinations are so essential to one's overall eye health.
How is ocular hypertension treated?
The decision to treat ocular hypertension will depend on various ocular and systemic risk factors which the optometrist will discuss with you. Often, ocular hypertension is simply momonitored with more frequent eye examinations and no immediate treatment. Some patients, hwever, may be treatedd with eye drops or other medications as a precautionary measure.
There is no cure for ocular hypertension or glaucoma. Howveer, careful monitoring and treatment, when indicated, can lessen the risk of damage to the eyes. Thus, it is extremely important to comply with the optometrist's examination schedule and treatment recommendations.
What is the prognosis of ocular hypertension?
Ocular hypertension must be carefully monitored because it may develop into glacuoma. With your yearly eye examinations, our optometrists will ensure that
Many patients with ocular hypertension will not develop glaucoma. HOwever, because there is an increased risk of glaucoma in patients with ocular hypertension, it is very important to follow the recommendations of your optometrist.