Intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure is an indicator that reflects the degree of hydrostatic pressure exerted inside the eye by a jelly-like mass - aqueous humor, filling its anterolateral chamber. It plays an important role in ensuring the normal functioning of the eye.

The transparent contents of the eye are able to maintain a certain pressure due to the fact that it constantly changes volume due to the influx and outflow of fluid. The tone of the muscles of the eyeball also helps maintain intraocular pressure. However, if muscle tone decreases, fluid leakage may occur and the development of so-called glaucoma.

The normal value of intraocular pressure is 16-24 mmHg. If its level increases, an increase in volumetric hydrostatic pressure occurs. This leads to increased viscosity and decreased penetration of fluid along the optic disc, causing degenerative tissue changes called glaucoma. Normal fluid nourishes the retina, maintains tissue elasticity and metabolism.

What to do if intraocular pressure exceeds normal?

An ophthalmological examination can be carried out in outpatient and inpatient settings and include several stages: preliminary preparation and diagnosis, ocular tonometry and/or ulnar compression tonography, analysis of the results.