Subspecialties

  • Cataract/Anterior Segment
  • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
  • Cornea/External Disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus

 

  • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
  • Oculoplastics/Orbit
  • Refractive Management/Intervention
  • Retina/Vitreous
  • Uveitis

Focus On

  • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
  • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
  • Laser Surgery Education Center
  • Redmond Ethics Center
  • Global Ophthalmology Guide

Academy Publications

  • EyeNet
  • Ophthalmology
  • Ophthalmology Glaucoma
  • Ophthalmology Retina

Information for:

  • International Ophthalmologists
  • Media
  • Medical Students
  • Patients and Public
  • Technicians and Nurses
  • Senior Ophthalmologists
  • Young Ophthalmologists

Tools and Services

  • EyeCare America
  • Help
  • IRIS Registry
  • Medicare Physician Payment
  • Meetings and Deadlines
  • Museum of the Eye
  • Ophthalmology Job Center

Our Sites

  • EyeWiki
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery

Subspecialties

  • Cataract/Anterior Segment
  • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
  • Cornea/External Disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
  • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
  • Oculoplastics/Orbit
  • Refractive Management/Intervention
  • Retina/Vitreous
  • Uveitis

Focus On

  • Glaucoma Education Center
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
  • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
  • Laser Surgery Education Center
  • Redmond Ethics Center
  • Global Ophthalmology Guide

Find an Ophthalmologist

Advanced Search
  • Annual Meeting
  • Clinical Education
  • Practice Management
  • Member Services
  • Advocacy
  • Foundation
  • About
  • Subspecialties & More
  • Eye Health
  • Home
  • Annual Meeting
  • Clinical Education
  • Practice Management
  • Member Services
  • Advocacy
  • Foundation
  • About
  • Subspecialties & More

    Academy Publications

    • EyeNet
    • Ophthalmology
    • Ophthalmology Glaucoma
    • Ophthalmology Retina

    Information for:

    • International Ophthalmologists
    • Media
    • Medical Students
    • Patients and Public
    • Technicians and Nurses
    • Senior Ophthalmologists
    • Young Ophthalmologists

    Tools and Services

    • EyeCare America
    • Help
    • IRIS Registry
    • Medicare Physician Payment
    • Meetings and Deadlines
    • Museum of the Eye
    • Ophthalmology Job Center

    Our Sites

    • EyeWiki
    • International Society of Refractive Surgery

    Subspecialties

    • Cataract/Anterior Segment
    • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
    • Cornea/External Disease
    • Glaucoma
    • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
    • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
    • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
    • Oculoplastics/Orbit
    • Refractive Management/Intervention
    • Retina/Vitreous
    • Uveitis

    Focus On

    • Glaucoma Education Center
    • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
    • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
    • Laser Surgery Education Center
    • Redmond Ethics Center
    • Global Ophthalmology Guide

    Find an Ophthalmologist

    Advanced Search

    Subspecialties

    • Cataract/Anterior Segment
    • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
    • Cornea/External Disease
    • Glaucoma
    • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
    • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus

     

    • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
    • Oculoplastics/Orbit
    • Refractive Management/Intervention
    • Retina/Vitreous
    • Uveitis

    Focus On

    • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
    • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
    • Laser Surgery Education Center
    • Redmond Ethics Center
    • Global Ophthalmology Guide
  • Eye Health
Find an Ophthalmologist
Academy Store
  • Eye Health A-Z
  • Symptoms
  • Glasses & Contacts
  • Tips & Prevention
  • News
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist
  • Patient Stories
  • Español
    • Eye Health /
    • Eye Health A-Z
  • Ocular Hypertension

    Sections
    • What Is Ocular Hypertension?
    • Ocular Hypertension Causes
    • Ocular Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Illustration of basic interior eye anatomy, including cornea, lens, macula, retina, iris and optic nerve.

    What Is Ocular Hypertension?

    Leer en Español:
    ¿Qué es la hipertensión ocular?
    Written By: Kierstan Boyd
    Reviewed By: J Kevin McKinney MD
    Jun. 04, 2019

    Ocular hypertension is when the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) is higher than normal.

    With ocular hypertension, the front of the eye does not drain fluid properly. This causes eye pressure to build up. Higher than normal eye pressure can cause glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease where eye pressure damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss.

    Ocular hypertension is not the same as glaucoma. With ocular hypertension, the optic nerve looks normal and there are no signs of vision loss. However, people with ocular hypertension are considered “glaucoma suspects.” That means they should see their ophthalmologist regularly to be checked for glaucoma.

    Ocular hypertension usually does not have any signs or symptoms. Because you can have high eye pressure and not know it, it is important to have regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist.

    Next

    Ocular Hypertension Causes

  • Related Ask an Ophthalmologist Answers

    Is cataract surgery recommended on a patient with high IOP?
    Nov 03, 2019
    Will damage to the iris sphincter heal over time?
    Oct 25, 2019
    Does increased IOP cause the eyeball to feel hardened?
    Oct 15, 2019
    Is eyelid surgery recommended if I have a weak eyelid muscle?
    Oct 04, 2019
    If my dad is already blind, what happens if he doesn’t take his glaucoma medication?
    Oct 02, 2019
  • Find an Ophthalmologist
    Advanced Search
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist
    Browse Answers
  • Free Newsletter

    Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision.

  • EyeCare America - no-cost medical eye exams for qualifying seniors

  • Related

    What Is Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE)?
    Dec 11, 2019
    Eyedrop Medicine for Glaucoma
    Dec 10, 2019
    Safe Toy Gift Guide
    Dec 06, 2019
    What You Should Know About Eyelash Growth Serums
    Dec 05, 2019
    Ballistic Goggles Can Prevent Eye Injuries From Air Guns
    Dec 05, 2019
 
  • Contact Us
  • About the Academy
  • Jobs at the Academy
  • Financial Relationships with Industry
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Help
  • For Advertisers
  • For Media
  • Ophthalmology Job Center

OUR SITES

  • EyeWiki
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY

Medical Professionals

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Public & Patients

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
© American Academy of Ophthalmology 2019
* Required
* First Name:
* Last Name:
Member ID:
* Phone Number:
* Email:
* Enter code:
* Message:
 

Thank you

Your feedback has been sent.