Glaucoma & Intraocular Eye Pressure

Intraocular pressure, or IOP, is the fluid pressure inside the eye or the eye pressure. This fluid, called aqueous humor nourishes the cornea, iris and lens. Its production must be balanced by the rate of drainage in order for the eye to remain healthy. If there is a buildup of aqueous humor the intraocular pressure can increase. IOP measurements are important in the diagnosis and management of Glaucoma. The measurement is taken with an instrument called a tonometer, which either touches the surface of the eye or puffs air into the eye. A normal IOP reading is 10-21 mmHg, or millimeters of mercury.

A check of the intraocular pressure is generally done as a part of a routine eye exam. If you have a family history of Glaucoma, it is especially important that you have routine IOP checks to make sure that your pressure stays normal. If you or someone you know has a family member with Glaucoma they should have their IOP checked. Please feel free to call Eyecare Medical Group at 1-888-374-2020 to schedule an eye exam.