High Eye Pressure

Achieving normal pressure inside the eye is critical to maintaining optic nerve health and reducing the risk of glaucoma-related vision loss. At Dallas Glaucoma Specialists in Allen, Texas, skilled ophthalmologists provide expert high eye pressure screening and treatment. Call Dallas Glaucoma Specialists today or schedule a consultation using the online booking feature to get prompt high eye pressure treatment and preserve your sight.

What is high eye pressure?

High eye pressure (ocular hypertension) occurs when the front of your eye doesn’t drain fluid properly. Pressure builds up inside the eye, which could lead to optic nerve damage and glaucoma. Untreated glaucoma can result in vision loss.

When you have ocular hypertension, the optic nerve looks healthy, and you don’t develop sight problems. However, the condition increases your risk of developing glaucoma.

What causes high eye pressure?

The front of your eye contains a clear fluid called aqueous humor that your eye produces continually. As new aqueous humor flows in, an equal amount of the old fluid flows out through a drainage angle. This flow ensures your eyes have a constant, healthy intraocular pressure.

If the aqueous can’t flow out of your eye properly, fluid levels rise, increasing the pressure. If high eye pressure damages your optic nerve, it causes glaucoma. 

Why would I have high eye pressure?

Anyone could develop ocular hypertension, but some people’s risk is higher. You’re more likely to have high eye pressure if one or more of the following risk factors apply to you:

• Family history of glaucoma/high eye pressure
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Age over 40
• Being Black or Hispanic
• Severe near-sightedness
• Taking corticosteroids long term
• Eye injuries or surgery
• Pigment dispersion syndrome 
• Pseudoexfoliation syndrome

To diagnose high eye pressure, your Dallas Glaucoma Specialists ophthalmologist measures the pressure in your eye. They numb the eye with anesthetic drops, then use a tonometer instrument to measure your cornea’s resistance to slight pressure.

Your ophthalmologist also checks for signs of glaucoma. They examine your optic nerve for any abnormalities and check your peripheral (side) vision.

How is high eye pressure treated?

If your eye pressure is only slightly raised, your ophthalmologist may decide to monitor your condition with regular tests rather than start treatment immediately.

However, most people with high eye pressure can benefit from eye drop medicine that reduces intraocular pressure. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe several types of medicine for optimal effect, and it’s important to follow the directions precisely to ensure the eye drops work. Sometimes, patients require laser treatment or surgery to lower their eye pressure.

Treating high eye pressure reduces your risk of glaucoma, but you could still suffer optic nerve damage. Dallas Glaucoma Specialists offers advanced treatments to preserve your sight if you develop glaucoma.

Call the office to arrange an intraocular pressure test or book an appointment online today for expert high eye pressure care.