Ocular Hypertension

Higher than normal eye pressure without glaucoma damage

Overview

Ocular hypertension describes intraocular pressure above the statistically normal range without detectable damage to the optic nerve or visual field loss. It causes no symptoms and is found on routine pressure checks. It is a major risk factor for developing primary open angle glaucoma, although most people with it do not go on to develop glaucoma. The landmark Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study showed that lowering pressure reduced the rate of conversion to glaucoma, and it also highlighted thin central corneal thickness as an additional risk factor. Decisions about monitoring or treatment are individualized.