Ocular hypertension, also known as glaucoma, can cause blindness and often has no symptoms. Treatment involves reducing eye pressure with medication or surgery, as damage to the optic nerve is irreversible. Diagnosis is made through eye exams and symptoms can vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Early detection can prevent vision loss.
Ocular hypertension is a serious medical condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to blindness. It is possible for some individuals to have high pressure in the eye, commonly known as glaucoma, and remain asymptomatic, meaning they experience no recognizable symptoms. Although the damage caused by this progressive condition is irreversible, treatment usually involves the administration of drugs to reduce eye pressure and prevent the disease from progressing. Individuals whose glaucoma does not respond to treatment may require surgery to reduce eye pressure.
Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure within the eyeball rises and causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Aqueous humor is a natural lubricant produced within the eyeball. When aqueous humor is created, excess fluid is filtered through a network of drainage passages located in the front of the eye. It is when the filtering system, known as the trabecular network, becomes clogged or otherwise damaged that aqueous humor can build up and increase intraocular pressure.
There are varying degrees in which elevated eye pressure can occur which depend entirely on the rate of drainage of the aqueous humor. Frequently, glaucoma can develop due to narrowed or bulging passages within the meshwork due to the natural formation of the eye. Some forms of glaucoma can be induced by impaired circulation caused by the existence of atherosclerosis which restricts blood flow to the optic nerve. Other glaucomatous presentations may result from reticulum blockages induced by collection of pigment granules, as may be diagnosed in highly physically active individuals, such as athletes.
A diagnosis of elevated eye pressure is usually made following a comprehensive eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist. Individuals will typically undergo a series of tests to assess the extent of their visual field and the intraocular pressure of their eyes. The condition of the optic nerve may also be evaluated to check for signs of damage that can occur with increased eye fluid pressure.
Due to the progressive nature of glaucoma, symptoms often appear in stages. The manifestation and severity of a patient’s symptoms are usually dictated by the type of glaucoma they may have. Individuals with slowly progressing glaucoma can often experience a reduction in their peripheral vision that gradually gives way to more pronounced tunnel vision. When symptoms are acute, individuals may experience moderate to severe eye discomfort accompanied by vomiting and nausea. Additional signs may include eye irritation, redness, and vision changes.
Optic nerve damage induced by symptoms of high eye pressure is irreversible; therefore, treatment focuses on reducing intraocular pressure and slowing the progression of the disease. In most cases, if high blood pressure is diagnosed early, vision loss can be prevented. Medicated eye drops are frequently prescribed to reduce the production and facilitate drainage of the aqueous humor. Some individuals may be given additional oral medications to help reduce eye fluid pressure when medicated eye drops are not enough. Surgical procedures may also be done to reduce eye pressure and facilitate aqueous humor drainage for individuals with moderate to severe persistent glaucomatous symptoms.
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