- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: January 17, 2025
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we often encounter patients concerned about their eye health, particularly when it comes to conditions like ocular hypertension. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ocular hypertension, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
Understanding Ocular Hypertension
Ocular hypertension is a condition characterised by elevated pressure within the eye, specifically the intraocular pressure (IOP). In a healthy eye, the pressure typically ranges from 10 to 21 millimetres of mercury (mmHg). When the pressure exceeds 21 mmHg, it’s classified as ocular hypertension.
It’s crucial to understand that ocular hypertension is not a disease in itself, but rather a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
The Mechanics of Eye Pressure
To understand ocular hypertension, it’s helpful to know how eye pressure works:
- Your eyes contain a clear fluid called aqueous humour.
- This fluid nourishes the eye tissues and helps maintain the eye’s shape.
- The eye constantly produces new aqueous humour while draining the existing fluid.
- When this drainage system doesn’t function properly, pressure can build up inside the eye.
The aqueous humour is produced by the ciliary body and flows through the pupil. It then drains away through tiny drainage channels called the trabecular meshwork, located in the anterior (front) part of the eye, between the cornea and the iris.
Causes of Ocular Hypertension
Several factors can contribute to the development of ocular hypertension:
- Impaired Drainage: The most common cause is when the eye’s drainage system becomes partially blocked.
- Excessive Fluid Production: In some cases, the eye may produce too much aqueous humour.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly corticosteroids, can increase eye pressure.
- Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye can disrupt the normal fluid balance.
- Other Eye Conditions: Some eye diseases or surgeries can lead to increased eye pressure.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop ocular hypertension, certain factors increase the risk:
- Age: The risk increases for individuals over 40.
- Family History: A genetic predisposition to high eye pressure.
- Ethnicity: Studies suggest higher prevalence in Black and Hispanic populations.
- Existing Eye Conditions: Such as high myopia (severe short-sightedness).
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase risk.
- Thin Cornea: If the cornea is thin, your eyes have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
Symptoms of Ocular Hypertension
One of the challenges with ocular hypertension is that it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. This is why regular eye examinations are crucial, especially for those at higher risk.
While symptoms are rare, some individuals might experience:
- Mild eye pain or discomfort
- Slightly blurred vision
However, it’s important to note that these symptoms are not specific to ocular hypertension and could indicate other eye conditions.
Diagnosis
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we use several methods to diagnose ocular hypertension:
- Tonometry: This is the primary test for measuring intraocular pressure.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examination of the optic nerve for any signs of damage.
- Visual Field Test: To check for any vision loss in the peripheral field of vision.
- Gonioscopy: Examination of the eye’s drainage angle.
- Pachymetry: Measurement of corneal thickness, as this can affect pressure readings.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This cutting-edge technology has become one of the most crucial diagnostic tools for ocular hypertension and glaucoma. At Blue Fin Vision®, we use the market-leading Heidelberg Spectralis OCT to objectively measure and compare the retinal nerve fibre layer with thousands of age-matched control subjects. This allows us to accurately detect the earliest signs of damage, even before they’re visible to the naked eye.
It’s worth noting that at Blue Fin Vision®, we perform OCT scans and corneal topography on all our patients before any eye surgery to ensure we don’t discover any pathology after surgical intervention.
Treatment Options
The goal of treating ocular hypertension is to lower the intraocular pressure and reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. Treatment options include:
- Monitoring
For individuals with low risk, regular monitoring might be sufficient. This involves frequent eye examinations to check for any changes in eye pressure or signs of optic nerve damage.
- Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment for ocular hypertension. These medications work by either reducing the production of aqueous humour or increasing its outflow.
- Laser Therapy
In some cases, laser procedures may be recommended to improve the eye’s drainage system. One such treatment is Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), which uses a laser to treat the drainage area and improve outflow.
- Lifestyle Changes
While not a direct treatment, certain lifestyle modifications can support eye health:
- Regular Exercise: Can help lower intraocular pressure
- Healthy Diet: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E
- Limiting Caffeine Intake: Excessive caffeine may temporarily increase eye pressure
- Staying Hydrated: Proper hydration supports overall eye health
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Because ocular hypertension often has no symptoms, regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and management. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we recommend:
- Annual eye exams for adults over 40
- More frequent exams for those with risk factors or existing eye conditions
Driving with Ocular Hypertension
It’s reassuring to know that ocular hypertension does not affect your ability to drive. There is no requirement to inform the Driver and Licensing Authority (DVLA) about this condition. However, it’s always important to ensure your general eyesight meets driving standards.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Vision
Ocular hypertension, while not a disease itself, is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. By understanding this condition and taking proactive steps to manage eye health, you can protect your vision for years to come.
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic in London, we’re committed to providing comprehensive eye care, including the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment options for ocular hypertension. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists can help you maintain optimal eye health and address any concerns you may have about your vision.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your eye examination today and take the first step towards safeguarding your precious sight. Remember, when it comes to eye health, prevention and early detection are key.