Ocular Hypertension
Ocular Hypertension
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
1. Is ocular hypertension the same as glaucoma?
No, ocular hypertension means elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage, while glaucoma involves both high pressure and optic nerve damage leading to vision loss.
2. How is ocular hypertension detected?
It is usually detected through routine eye exams, which include measuring intraocular pressure and examining the optic nerve.
3. Can ocular hypertension lead to blindness?
Ocular hypertension itself doesn’t cause blindness, but if left untreated, it can lead to glaucoma, which can cause permanent vision loss.
About Ocular Hypertension
Ocular hypertension refers to higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). While it doesn’t cause immediate vision loss like glaucoma, it can increase the risk of developing glaucoma over time. Regular eye check-ups are crucial to detect and manage ocular hypertension early.
Causes of Ocular Hypertension
Several factors can contribute to increased intraocular pressure, including:
- Overproduction of Aqueous Humor: The fluid inside the eye (aqueous humor) is produced in excess, leading to increased pressure.
- Inadequate Drainage of Aqueous Humor: If the eye’s drainage channels (trabecular meshwork) are blocked or inefficient, fluid builds up and pressure rises.
- Injury or Trauma to the Eye: Previous eye injuries may lead to structural changes and increase IOP.
- Certain Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids can elevate IOP.
- Age and Genetics: Ocular hypertension is more common in people over 40 and may run in families.
Types of Ocular Hypertension
Ocular hypertension generally falls into two categories:
Primary Ocular Hypertension: This occurs without any underlying eye disease and is related to natural risk factors such as age and genetics.
Secondary Ocular Hypertension: This is caused by other conditions like eye injuries, inflammation, or the use of certain medications.
Symptoms of Ocular Hypertension
One of the biggest challenges with ocular hypertension is that it often has no obvious symptoms. Most patients do not experience pain, vision changes, or discomfort, making regular eye exams essential to detect it. During an exam, your ophthalmologist can measure intraocular pressure and detect any early signs.
Diagnosis of Ocular Hypertension
Diagnosing ocular hypertension requires a thorough eye examination. Here’s what to expect:
- Tonometry Test: This measures the intraocular pressure using a specialized device.
- Visual Field Test: This checks for any vision loss that could indicate glaucoma or high IOP.
- Optic Nerve Examination: The doctor will examine the optic nerve for any signs of damage or glaucoma.
- Gonioscopy: This test evaluates the drainage angle of the eye to see if fluid is being drained properly.
Treatment for Ocular Hypertension
Treating ocular hypertension focuses on lowering intraocular pressure to prevent glaucoma. Common treatments include:
- Eye Drops: Prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment, designed to either reduce fluid production or improve drainage.
- Laser Therapy (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty – SLT): Laser treatment may be recommended to open up drainage channels in the eye.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to create a new drainage path for fluid inside the eye.
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
India is known for offering world-class medical care at affordable prices. The cost of ocular hypertension treatment in India is significantly lower than in many other countries, without compromising on quality.