Your eyes are filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor which helps to maintain the shape of the eyes and plays a key role in the overall health of the eyes. The pressure of the fluid in the eyes — also known as intraocular pressure — keeps on changing throughout the day and differs from one person to another. To maintain a steady pressure, this fluid drains regularly. However, when this fluid doesn’t drain properly, the excess fluid builds pressure in the eye and can cause vision problems
- Why does intraocular pressure matter? When the fluid in the eye doesn’t drain properly, intraocular pressure becomes high. And, high eye pressure is the most significant risk factor in the development of glaucoma – the higher the pressure, the greater the risk. The problem with glaucoma is that it doesn’t have any early symptoms. By the time it shows any noticeable signs such as severe headache, eye pain, nausea and blurred vision, the condition is in the advanced stages. . Glaucoma can go unnoticed for years. But by getting the eye pressure checked you can catch it early and take preventive measures. Glaucoma, when not treated for long, can lead to complete loss of vision.
- How is eye pressure checked? A detailed pupil dilation test is the best way to detect whether the intraocular pressure is high or low. The pupil dilation test lets your eye doctor check the health of the optic nerve as well as the retina. To fully examine your eyes, the eye doctor may recommend several tests.
- Is low intraocular pressure a problem? Both high intraocular pressure and low intraocular pressure are not good for the health of your eyes. Low intraocular pressure can cause blurry vision. When the intraocular pressure is extremely low it can cause corneal decompensation, accelerated cataract formation and maculopathy.
- How to maintain a steady eye pressure? There is no particular way of maintaining eye pressure at a healthy level. If you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, you get your eyes checked regularly. The eye doctors will conduct comprehensive eye tests to check the eye pressure and may suggest eye drops if the intraocular pressure is found to be on the higher end.
Risk factors of high intraocular pressure
- A family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma
- Age
- Acute short-sightedness
- Certain medications raise eye pressure in some people
- Eye injuries, even years after they happen, can affect your intraocular pressure
Book an appointment for eye test
High intraocular pressure can be detected during an eye test – so it’s important to have your eyes checked at least once a year. We have some of the best eye doctors in Kolkata on board. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, schedule an appointment today.