Intraocular Hypertension

Intraocular Hypertension General Information

Intraocular Hypertension is the generic medical term describing an increase in the ocular fluids pressure. This is typically caused by a problem affecting the drainage channels that are responsible for draining the eye fluids are impaired – either blocked or narrowed – and are not able to fully perform their functions. In some cases, the draining channels may be completely closed, leading to a very fast evolution of the condition. As the channels are partially or completely closed, more ocular fluid continues to be produced, however it cannot be drained fast enough leading to an increase in quantity, and thus in pressure. Most commonly the patient does not present any ocular nerve damage, and does not experience any problems with vision.

The normal limits for fluid pressure inside the eye are of 10 mmHg at the lowest and 21 mmHg at the highest points. A patient is considered to be suffering from Intraocular Hypertension if the pressure inside one or both of his or her eyes exceeds 21 mmHg – at least two measurements should be performed to ensure that the observations are conclusive. Increased ocular fluid pressure is one of the leading causes of glaucoma, as patients suffering from Intraocular Hypertension have a very high chance of developing this condition. If the condition is detected in its early stages, treatment can be applied sooner greatly reducing optical nerve damage and along with it, the risk of glaucoma.

Intraocular Hypertension Symptoms

In most cases, Intraocular Hypertension does not cause any symptoms in the affected patient, and thus it cannot be detected without going to a specialized health care professional and undergoing a routine examination. During such an examination, the specialized health care professional also measures the pressure of the ocular fluid (aqueous humor) and compares it with the normal levels.

It is highly advised that you regularly visit your specialized health care specialist in order to discover and treat any early signs of ocular affections, as well as any increase in ocular fluid pressure. Under normal conditions, such examinations should be performed no more than 3 to 5 years apart. However, if the person has a higher risk factor (such as black people or persons older than 40 years of age), examination should be performed more often. If multiple glaucoma risk factors are present, the person should consider undergoing eye examination more often in order to detect the Intraocular Hypertension in the early stages and adopt the appropriate course of action.

As part of the examination, the specialized health care professional may ask you a number of questions related to your general health condition as well as your medical history, especially ocular history. This may include questions related to past eye conditions, surgeries, illnesses, and any current drug therapies. Questions may also cover the risk factors, in order to discover your predisposition to this affection – among these, genetic heritage, alcohol and tobacco, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and myopia are factors that may prove a predisposition to develop this medical condition.

Intraocular Hypertension Treatment

If after a routine examination your specialized health care professional has determined that you are suffering from Intraocular Hypertension, it is highly advised that you closely follow the treatment that you have been prescribed. Failure to do so may result in severe consequences, from a further increase in the optical fluid pressure to optic nerve damage, which in turn may lead to permanent loss of vision.

Treatment for Intraocular Hypertension largely depends from one patient to another. While in some cases the examining physician may opt to just monitor the condition (especially on the first occasion when elevated intraocular pressure has been detected), in other cases the specialized health care professional may choose to prescribe medication treatment. In such cases, the physician will decide upon the best drug to be administered based on several factors such as your age, general health condition and medical history. Typically the drug will be in the form of eye drops and it will aim at effectively lowering intraocular pressure – in some cases, a combination of medicines may be prescribed instead of a single drug for treating Intraocular Hypertension. The health care professional may recommend applying the eye drops to just one eye at first – in order to observe the effects of the medication before moving on to general use with that particular medicine – and only after that treatment to both eyes is prescribed. After starting the treatment, the specialized physician may request another examination within 3 to 4 weeks in order to monitor the evolution of the condition and to check on the effectiveness of the treatment. If therapy yields the expected results and no side effects are noted, treatment should be continued for another 2 to 4 months, and after that timeframe a new examination is in order.

The first follow-up visit may be scheduled at a different timeframe than the one mentioned above. That is because some drugs may have a different timeframe until they become fully effective. Consult your examining health care specialist in order to schedule the follow-up examination. Also, let your physician know about any side effects or allergic reactions that you may have experienced and are related to the medicine that you are currently using, as it may require a change in medication.

There are some cases when the Intraocular Hypertension does not respond to treatment even after trying two or more drugs. In such cases it is advised that you undergo a more detailed examination in order to determine if you are not suffering from a related ocular affection underlining the increased ocular fluid pressure.

Surgery and laser therapy are also possible in cases of Intraocular Hypertension, however they are not recommended as the risks associated with these medical procedures are higher. However, if your condition is resistant to medication therapy or if your organism does not tolerate the drugs, it is advised that you consult with your specialized health care professional regarding following such therapies. Your physician will let you know about all the risks and benefits that are involved in these procedures, and will assist you in deciding if laser therapy or surgery may be a valid option in your particular case.