Am I At Risk Of Ocular Hypertension?

Do you have a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma?

Do you have have diabetes or high blood pressure?

Do you have low blood pressure?

Are you over age 40?

Are you African-American or Hispanic?

Are you extremely nearsighted?

Do you take long-term steroid medications?

Have you had eye injuries or surgery?

Do you have a diagnosis of pigment dispersion syndrome or pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF)?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of ocular hypertension. Ocular hypertension is a medical condition in which the pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure, is increased in relation to the range that is considered normal. People with ocular hypertension have no noticeable vision changes, nor is there damage to the optic nerve. However, if ocular hypertension is not treated, glaucoma, an eye disease characterized by progressive vision loss, can develop over time. For that reason, it is extremely important to check your eyesight regularly, especially if you are over 40, have diabetes or a family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of ocular hypertension. Ocular hypertension is a medical condition characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. Your eye is constantly producing a clear liquid called aqueous humor that flows inside your eye. At the same time, a certain amount of aqueous humor is drained from the eye. In this way the eye pressure is maintained within certain range that is considered normal. An increased intraocular pressure occurs when the drainage of aqueous humor is disturbed for some reason. Your doctor may diagnose increased intraocular pressure during regular eye examinations.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of ocular hypertension. Ocular hypertension is a condition in which the intraocular pressure (pressure inside your eye) is higher than normal. Your eye produces a clear fluid (aqueous humor) that helps the eye maintain its shape. Increased intraocular pressure occurs in the case of increased production or decreased drainage of this fluid. Increased intraocular pressure can eventually lead to optic nerve damage and an eye disease called glaucoma. Glaucoma is a progressive eye disorder that can cause serious visual impairment and even blindness. It is estimated that about 2 percent of patients with untreated intraocular hypertension develop glaucoma annually.