Abnormal Intraocular Pressure and Eye Diseases

 Abnormal Intraocular Pressure and Eye Diseases

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure inside the eye and plays a crucial role in maintaining the shape and function of the eye. When IOP rises or remains abnormally high, it can lead to various eye diseases. Today, we’ll go over symptoms of increased IOP and the eye diseases that may result from it.

1. Increased Intraocular Pressure (Ocular Hypertension)

“Ocular hypertension” refers to a state where IOP exceeds the normal range (generally 10–21 mmHg).

• Normal IOP range: 10–20 mmHg

• Average IOP: 15 mmHg

• Difference between eyes: 3 mmHg or less

IOP that is too low or too high is not ideal. When IOP is significantly lower than normal, the eye may shrink, and vision may appear distorted. If IOP rises, discomfort in the eye may occur, and in severe cases, symptoms like headache, dizziness, or even nausea may develop. If left untreated, high IOP can progress to eye diseases with a high risk of blindness.

2. Importance of IOP Testing

Ocular hypertension often presents little to no symptoms, making it difficult to detect before it worsens. While ocular hypertension itself doesn’t directly harm the optic nerve, prolonged elevation can lead to optic nerve damage. Therefore, consistent monitoring and testing of IOP are essential for eye health. Regular IOP tests are an important preventive measure to protect the optic nerve.

                                                  Aqueous Humor Flow Inside the Eye

When the flow of aqueous humor (the fluid in the eye) is not smooth, intraocular pressure (IOP) rises, increasing pressure within the eye. This can ultimately lead to optic nerve damage. IOP testing is a crucial process to accurately assess the optic nerve’s condition, which cannot be checked by visual inspection, and to diagnose potential glaucoma.

3. Eye Diseases that Can Occur with Increased IOP

The main conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, and central serous retinopathy. Among these, glaucoma is the most representative disease. It is characterized by gradual narrowing and deterioration of the visual field due to optic nerve damage. While it is commonly known as a condition that occurs more frequently with age, particularly in people over 40, cases of glaucoma are increasingly being observed in relatively younger individuals in their 30s.

As of 2023, statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service indicate that there are approximately 1.19 million glaucoma patients, with 73,000 of them in their 30s, highlighting a growing trend among younger age groups. Glaucoma is a serious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.

Since early stages often show little to no symptoms, regular check-ups and management are essential.

In the next content, we’ll discuss the importance of IOP management and provide information on glaucoma testing and treatment.