Causes of Ocular Hypertension

Ocular hypertension is the state when the pressure in the eyes also called intraocular pressure rises above the normal levels. Elevated levels of intraocular pressure can lead to glaucoma. However, chances of vision loss or optic nerve damage are minimal is this condition.

There are no apparent symptoms of ocular hypertension such as pain or redness in the eyes. The only way to detect the condition is by visiting your ophthalmologist for a proper eye check up.

Following are some of the causes of ocular hypertension-

The most significant cause for the occurrence of ocular hypertension is a defect or imbalance in the production as well as drainage of fluid from the eye. In this condition, the channels that normally drain away the unwanted fluids from the eye do not function in a proper way. As a result more and more fluids get accumulated in the eye. The excess fluids result in creation of excess pressure within the eye.

People who have a family history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension are at a greater risk of developing ocular hypertension. Use of certain medications such as steroids may increase the intraocular pressure. An high level of nearsightedness has also been cited as a cause of ocular hypertension. People who are suffering from diabetes are also likely to suffer from this problem.

People of Afro-American origin are known to be susceptible to ocular hypertension. If you are above the age of 40, you should get tour eyes examined by an ophthalmologist to make sure that you are not susceptible to or suffering from this condition.

You should remember here that ocular hypertension is not a disease in itself. As a matter of fact it is a condition that may be indicative of an onset of glaucoma. A patient of ocular hypertension should be closely monitored to prevent glaucoma. In fact a person who has elevated intraocular pressure is known to be susceptible to glaucoma.