Eye pressure, medically known as intraocular pressure (IOP), refers to the fluid pressure within your eye. This internal pressure is maintained by a clear fluid called aqueous humor, which fills the front part of the eye. Maintaining proper IOP is important for the eye’s shape and its overall health. Regular measurement of eye pressure helps eye care professionals monitor for potential changes that could impact vision.
Understanding an Eye Pressure Reading of 23 mmHg
An eye pressure reading of 23 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is considered elevated compared to typical ranges, which usually fall between 10 and 21 mmHg. While 23 mmHg is above average, it does not automatically indicate a disease. However, such a reading warrants further investigation by an eye care professional.
Eye pressure can fluctuate throughout the day and vary among individuals. Therefore, a single elevated reading suggests a need for a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying reason.
Conditions Linked to Elevated Eye Pressure
Consistently elevated eye pressure is a risk factor for certain eye conditions. The primary concern is glaucoma, a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. Optic nerve damage can lead to permanent vision loss.
Not everyone with elevated eye pressure develops glaucoma; some individuals have ocular hypertension. Ocular hypertension refers to eye pressure greater than 21 mmHg without detectable optic nerve damage or visual field loss. This condition increases the risk of developing glaucoma, requiring close monitoring.
Factors Contributing to High Eye Pressure
High eye pressure often results from an imbalance in the production and drainage of aqueous humor. This fluid is continuously produced by the ciliary body and drains through the trabecular meshwork. If fluid production is too quick or drainage too slow, pressure builds inside the eye.
Several factors contribute to this imbalance. Genetic predisposition, such as a family history of high eye pressure or glaucoma, increases risk. Age is another factor, with risk increasing after 40. Certain medications, like long-term corticosteroids, can also elevate eye pressure. Eye injuries, other eye conditions (e.g., pseudoexfoliation syndrome), and systemic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) can also disrupt fluid dynamics, leading to increased pressure.
What Happens at the Eye Doctor’s Office
When eye pressure is elevated, an eye care professional performs a comprehensive eye examination. This evaluation begins with tonometry, the method used to measure intraocular pressure. Tonometry involves gently touching the eye surface with an instrument after numbing drops are applied.
Other tests provide a complete picture of eye health and optic nerve status. Pachymetry measures corneal thickness, which can influence IOP readings. Visual field tests assess peripheral vision for blind spots indicating optic nerve damage. A dilated eye exam allows direct inspection of the optic nerve for damage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, allowing measurement and monitoring of nerve fiber layer thickness.
Approaches to Managing Eye Pressure
Managing elevated eye pressure aims to prevent optic nerve damage and preserve vision. Treatment strategies vary depending on the individual’s condition and risk factors. The first line of treatment often involves prescription eye drops. These drops work by increasing aqueous humor outflow or reducing its production.
If eye drops are insufficient or not tolerated, laser procedures may be considered. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma that improves fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork. For advanced or ineffective cases, surgical options are available. These include trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage pathway, or the implantation of drainage devices to regulate eye pressure. Regular monitoring continues to be a fundamental part of managing eye pressure, regardless of the chosen approach.