You can have increased eye pressure and not have glaucoma. However, that doesn't mean it isn't a serious condition. You could still need treatment if you want the best chance of keeping your vision. Fortunately, this condition is easily diagnosed with a regular exam at a vision center or eye clinic. Here is more information about ocular hypertension, its symptoms, who is at risk, and how the ophthalmologist or medical doctor treats the condition.
What Is Ocular Hypertension?
Ocular hypertension is higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye. The optometrist measures the pressure in the eye as part of a routine eye exam. This test is primarily for discovering glaucoma but can also catch other conditions. If you have over a certain measurement, you could have ocular hypertension if all other screenings are negative for glaucoma.
What Are Some Symptoms of Ocular Hypertension?
Most people don't know they have ocular hypertension, especially in the early stages. However, some people can experience pain and show bleeding or red patches in the eye. A few people notice eye movement problems.
How Is Ocular Hypertension Different from Glaucoma?
With ocular hypertension, your optic nerve and blood vessels are still relatively normal. You likely don't notice any unusual vision issues. However, if you don't treat ocular hypertension, it can turn into glaucoma. Both conditions often affect the ability of the drainage angle to relieve eye pressure. Eye doctors diagnose glaucoma if the condition affects the optic nerve and the eyesight.
Who Is Most at Risk for Ocular Hypertension?
Age is a big risk factor for ocular hypertension. Most people's eye pressure increases a little as they get older. For many people, the increase is not a problem. However, if you also smoke and have high blood pressure, your risk is higher. Race and gender may also be risk factors. Many medications, as well as eye trauma, can lead to pressure issues.
What Treatments Work With Ocular Hypertension?
Some doctors wait on treatment for ocular hypertension until it begins to affect the eye. Therefore, your first defense is regular screening. Many of the same treatments for glaucoma, such as medicated eye drops, help with ocular hypertension. These medications lower eye pressure and help with natural drainage.
Unfortunately, ocular hypertension has no cure, but you can manage it with your eye doctor. If you have this condition, getting your annual eye exam is important. The optometrist can keep track of your eye pressure and the overall health of the eye. If you haven't had a thorough eye exam recently, visit a vision center, like Cohen's Fashion Optical, for a check-up.
Share21 October 2021
Do you remember the last time you thought about the quality of your vision? Although it can be easy to write off vision problems as a simple frustration, taking the time to visit your eye doctor might help you to take care of important aspects of your day to day life. In addition to making your vision more comfortable with the right pair of frames or the right contact lenses, going to the eye doctor might also help you to keep up with your overall eye care. If you have an undetected disease or illness, your eye doctor might mention it before it affects your health. Read this blog for more information.
