A rise in ocular pressure is a serious and complicated condition that causes a variety of eye disorders. This rise in eye pressure is known as ocular hypertension. If not treated promptly, it might result in significant eye disorders such as glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the most devastating eye conditions, causing millions of people worldwide to lose their vision every day. In today’s essay, I’ll explain why there is excessive pressure or glaucoma in the eyes.  

What is intraocular pressure (IOP)?

The pressure inside the eye is known as intraocular pressure (IOP). There is a liquid fluid inside the eye that keeps the eye in its proper shape and supplies nutrients. This fluid accumulates in the eye at a set rate and exits in a certain way, balancing the pressure in the eye. In healthy eyes, IOP is normal, ranging from 12 to 22 millimeters of mercury. When this pressure rises over the typical range, it might injure the eyes. Furthermore, normal ocular pressure can fluctuate during the day and from person to person.

• Signs of elevated eye pressure
• At first, there are no symptoms, save for slight discomfort as the ocular pressure rises. Regular eye exams are therefore necessary. However, the situation worsens by the day. As an example,
• The vision may be clouded.
• It is possible to have eye pain, headaches, and eye discomfort.
• It may induce redness in the eyes.
• Patients may detect halos or rainbow-like rings around their eyes when exposed to light, particularly at night.
• The eyes can only perceive the front view; there is an issue with viewing the side or side perspective.  

The reason behind the increase in glaucoma

Production of more watery humor

The fluid inside the eye is known as the aqueous humor. When the production of this fluid increases for any cause, the strain on the eyes rises. Uncontrolled diabetes, certain brain tumors, infectious eye illnesses, and other conditions can all cause an increase in aqueous humor production.  

Ocular hypertension

If the fluid generated in the eye region does not drain adequately, the pressure in the eye may rise. This high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, the primary nerve of the eye, which can result in blindness.

inflammation of the eyes

Any illness or inflammation can lead to an increase in ocular pressure. Any infection or inflammation in the center of the eye raises the pressure in the eye. 

Unregulated medicines

Long-term usage of some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can raise ocular pressure.

injury

The pressure in the eyes may increase as a result of an injury, causing a restriction in the flow of the ocular fluid.

Ocular tumour

Tumors in or around the eye can disrupt the drainage system, resulting in elevated ocular pressure. 

Age

Eye pressure may grow with aging.  

Risk factors for glaucoma

You are most likely to get glaucoma if:

Are you 60 or older?

Have excessive intraocular pressure.

A family member was diagnosed with glaucoma.

Certain illnesses include diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, and high blood pressure.

The cornea can cause excessive near- or far-sightedness.

Injured eye, surgery performed.

Long-term usage of corticosteroids.  

Treatment of elevated eye pressure.

The primary goal of this therapy is to avoid optic nerve injury and protect eyesight while eye pressure rises. There are several ways to deal with this

The use of medication

A range of eye drops, including prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, can assist in lowering IOP by decreasing the generation of liquid aqueous humor or improving its elimination.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment can fix any imperfection in the eye’s fluid drainage system.  

Surgery

If drugs and laser therapy fail to relieve extra pressure in the eye, sophisticated operations can help.

Glaucoma may affect anyone. People over the age of 40, those with diabetes, lens-less glasses, or parents with glaucoma should get frequent eye exams. Visit the eye doctor twice or three times each year. If an issue is discovered, more testing may be necessary. To keep your eyes at normal pressure, you can use eye drops or prescriptions. Surgery may also be required to unblock the obstructed route of fluid outflow. Regular exams and prompt treatment can help maintain ocular pressure normal and prevent blindness. 

How to prevent glaucoma

Although age and heredity can contribute to increased ocular pressure, we have little control over it. However, several precautions may be taken to mitigate the danger. As an example,

1. Early detection of an increase in IOP is possible by regular eye exams. Treatment can begin promptly.
2. Tonometry is used to assess intraocular pressure during an eye examination. If the IOP continues to rise, regular monitoring is necessary.
3. An ultrasonic probe is used to assess the thickness of the cornea to ensure that the ocular pressure reading is correct. If the cornea is thin, the IOP value is lower; if the cornea is thicker, the reading is higher.