The importance of intraocular pressure

03/12/2024

Listen to the podcast

In the latest episode of our podcast, we discuss a topic you might have heard about during an ophthalmology consultation or a vision check-up: intraocular pressure, also known as IOP. It plays a crucial role in maintaining our visual health. To address this topic in a clear and simple way, we’ve invited Dr. Marta Mármol, an ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma at Barraquer, to explain what it means to have high eye pressure and how it can affect us.

• What is intraocular pressure, and why is it important?
• What are the normal ranges for intraocular pressure?
• If someone has high intraocular pressure, how can they tell? Are there symptoms?
• If high pressure doesn’t always have symptoms, how can it be detected early?
• What happens if high pressure is left untreated?
• What are the most common causes of high intraocular pressure?
• What treatments are available to control intraocular pressure?
• Are there things we can do in our daily lives to maintain healthy intraocular pressure?
• If someone has high eye pressure, does it mean they will develop glaucoma?

What is intraocular pressure?

Intraocular pressure, also known as eye pressure or IOP, refers to the pressure exerted by the fluids inside the eye. It is important because, among other things, it helps maintain the spherical shape of the eye. Additionally, it is a key parameter that ophthalmologists monitor closely, as high pressure can lead to visual health problems.

If someone has high intraocular pressure, what are the symptoms?

Most patients with ocular hypertension do not experience symptoms. In many cases, it is not until later stages, when glaucoma develops, that patients begin to notice visual loss, especially in their peripheral vision. This is why regular eye health check-ups and monitoring of intraocular pressure are so important.

What treatments are available for intraocular pressure?

In some cases, no treatment is necessary to control high intraocular pressure. However, when treatment is deemed necessary, there are several options. On one hand, there are medications, known as hypotensive eye drops. Laser treatment may also be an option. If these measures prove ineffective, then a surgical solution may be required to resolve the condition.

In episode The importance of intraocular pressure (#15) of our podcast Descansa la vista (Rest your eyes), we address the main questions about intraocular pressure, its potential impact on our vision, and what we can do to control it.

You can now listen to this podcast episode to explore the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about intraocular pressure. We also remind you to send us your eye health questions on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag #DescansaLaVista, so we can answer them in upcoming episodes.