Intraocular pressure and glaucoma

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Intraocular pressure and glaucoma

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure caused by the fluid inside the eye that helps maintain the shape of the eye. The level of pressure inside the eyes depends on:

How much fluid is produced inside the eye.
Whether fluid can travel normally through the eye.
How well the fluid is removed from the eye.

The pressure within the eyes varies during the day. Normally, the pressure inside the eye ranges from 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to 21 mm Hg.

Intraocular pressure can vary from person to person.
Not all people with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) have increased pressure inside the eye. As many as 15% to 40% of cases of OAG may occur without increased pressure inside the eye.¹

References

Citations
American Academy of Ophthalmology (2003). Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Limited Revision (Preferred Practice Pattern). San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Credits

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Last Updated	July 7, 2006

Last updated:	July 07, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW, Pat Truman

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