Regular eye examinations are important for maintaining eye health. One of the main evaluation criteria during these examinations is eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure. If eye pressure remains above normal limits, it can be associated with diseases that may damage the optic nerve over time and lead to permanent vision loss.
What Is Eye Pressure?
Eye pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the eyeball. This fluid is continuously produced to nourish the eye and maintain its shape. It is also balanced by being continuously drained out of the eye.
When this balance is disturbed, intraocular pressure can increase. If high eye pressure remains uncontrolled for a long time, it can damage the optic nerve, leading to narrowed visual fields and permanent vision loss.
What Should Be the Eye Pressure?
In healthy individuals, the normal eye pressure value is generally accepted to be in the range of 10–21 mmHg. However, these values might not be sufficient criteria on their own for everyone.
In some individuals, the optic nerve might be damaged despite having normal eye pressure, while in others, no damage might occur despite higher values. Therefore, when evaluating eye pressure, not only numerical values but also;
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The condition of the optic nerve
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Visual field tests
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Corneal thickness
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The person's age and general health status
should be considered together.
What Causes Eye Pressure?
Increases in eye pressure can result from the disturbance of the intraocular fluid balance and the convergence of certain individual risk factors. Intraocular fluid is produced and drained in a particular balance. Disturbance of this balance can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure. Factors that may contribute to the development of eye pressure include:
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Inadequate drainage of intraocular fluid:
The consistent production of fluid inside the eye, combined with narrowing or malfunction of outflow channels, can prevent adequate drainage, leading to increased intraocular pressure.
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Genetic predisposition:
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma and eye pressure are at higher risk of developing eye pressure. Thus, it is important for those with genetic risks not to neglect regular eye examinations.
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Advancing age:
Structural changes in the eye tissues with age can affect the intraocular fluid balance. The risk of eye pressure increases, especially after the age of 40.
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Systemic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension:
These diseases can affect the eye's blood vessels and nerve structure, making it difficult to control intraocular pressure.
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Prolonged or uncontrolled use of corticosteroids:
Long-term use of corticosteroid-containing medications orally, by injection, or in drop form can cause elevated eye pressure in some individuals.
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Eye traumas and past eye surgeries:
Blows to the eye area or previous surgical procedures can affect intraocular fluid circulation, leading to eye pressure issues in the future.
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Pressure?
Eye pressure can often progress without symptoms in early stages. This can lead to the disease being insidious and detected late. In advanced stages, the following symptoms may be observed:
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Narrowing of the field of vision
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Headache and a feeling of pressure around the eyes
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Seeing halos around lights
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Blurred vision
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Rarely, eye pain and redness
How Is Eye Pressure Measured?
Eye pressure measurement is a routine and important part of eye examination. This procedure is performed using a method called tonometry. Different tonometry techniques are used today:
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Non-contact tonometry: It is a short and painless measurement method performed by blowing air into the eye.
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Contact tonometry: It is a more detailed and precise measurement method performed after numbing the eye with drops.
Why Is Eye Pressure Important?
Eye pressure is a condition that directly affects eye health and can often progress without symptoms. Prolonged elevation of intraocular pressure above normal values can damage the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss. Therefore, eye pressure should be regarded not only as a value measured at a single point in time but as an important health indicator that requires regular monitoring.
The main reasons that make eye pressure important are:
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It can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve:
High eye pressure can gradually compress the nerve fibers, causing damage to this structure over time.
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It can progress without symptoms:
In early stages, eye pressure often does not cause pain or vision complaints. This allows the disease to progress unnoticed and lead to late diagnosis.
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It can cause narrowing of the visual field:
Uncontrolled eye pressure primarily causes narrowing of the peripheral visual field, and in advanced stages, central vision may become affected.
- It can be controlled with early diagnosis:
When detected in an early stage, eye pressure can be slowed down with appropriate monitoring and methods.
Who Is at Risk for Eye Pressure?
Eye pressure can appear earlier in individuals with certain risk factors or progress more rapidly. Hence, it is important for those in the risk group to not neglect regular eye examinations, even without any vision complaints.
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Individuals aged 40 and over
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Those with a family history of glaucoma and eye pressure
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Patients with diabetes and hypertension
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Persons using corticosteroids long-term
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Individuals who have experienced eye trauma or eye surgery
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People with thin corneal structure
Frequently Asked Questions
How is eye pressure measured?
Eye pressure can be measured by the tonometry method. The procedure is quick, usually painless, and is performed as part of a routine eye examination.
How often should eye pressure be measured?
It is recommended to measure once a year for individuals without risk factors. For those in the risk group, the frequency of measurement may be determined by the eye doctor's evaluation.
Can eye pressure be seen at a young age?
Yes, eye pressure can occur at any age. It is especially important for those with a family history of glaucoma to have regular screenings as it could manifest at a young age.
Does stress affect eye pressure?
Intense stress and prolonged tension can indirectly affect eye pressure. However, as this effect can vary from person to person, regular measurement and monitoring are important.
