Ocular Hypertension and the Risk Factor

Ocular hypertension is a term in which the pressure inside the eye is higher than its normal. Individuals with IOP higher than 21mm of Hg with normal visual fields, normal optic discs, open angles, and without any ocular or systemic disorders contributing to the elevated IOPs are considered as ocular hypertensive. The chances to develop Glaucoma in these persons are high and they are aslo considered as Glaucoma suspect. Individuals with thin corneas, vertical cupping of optic disc (>0.6), myopic and old aged individuals are more prone for elevated intra ocular pressure. Glaucoma progression is the main source of ocular morbidity and mortality in ocular hypertensive patients. Hence, these individual requires periodic examinations, which include tonometry, perimetry and optic disc assessment. It is also recommended to start therapy for individuals with intraocular pressure in the upper to middle 20s. Pressure lowering agents such as latanoprost, brimonidine, adrenergic antagonists, and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are some commonly used drug, monotherapy is desirable and maximum two drugs can be used if required. Patient education and counseling is also essential to prevent possible progression to glaucoma, which can further reduce the ocular morbidity and mortality in ocular hypertensive individuals.