In order to better imagine the intraocular pressure (IOP), imagine a balloon. Its shape is maintained by the air pressure inside it. About the same way, due to the internal pressure arising as a result of ongoing biochemical processes, the shape of any organ in the human body is determined. The fulfillment of his functions also depends on this. Due to the simultaneous occurrence of two opposite processes - the constant influx and outflow of fluid inside the eyeball - and intraocular pressure is formed. The norm of IOP is in the range of 16-24 mm RT. Art. Long-term elevated (glaucoma) and long-term reduced (hypotension) intraocular pressure is dangerous for the eyes.
What reasons can lead to its increase? If the fluid inside the eyeball is released in large quantities or if its outflow is disrupted, the result is an increase in intraocular pressure. Individual anatomical features of the structure of the eyes and diseases of the cardiovascular system can also give impetus to a change in IOP.
If intraocular pressure is increased over time, metabolic processes inside the eye are disrupted, the cells of the optic nerve and the cells of the retina die. All this proceeds imperceptibly for a person, since it starts from peripheral sites. Slowly and gradually narrowing the field of view, and the result may be complete blindness. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms, when they occur, you should visit a specialist and measure intraocular pressure. Norm can be exceeded if the eyes quickly get tired, if you constantly feel heavy in them, if you often have a headache. You should not explain this with usual fatigue, the risk of developing a serious illness is too great. After forty years, an examination with an ophthalmologist, including the measurement of IOP, checking the field of view and the condition of the optic nerve, is recommended to be carried out annually.
How to measure intraocular pressure?
Sometimes people postpone a visit to the optometrist because they are afraid of the procedure for measuring IOP. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the traditional method of measuring intraocular pressure is really not too pleasant. Anesthetic substance is instilled into the eye, a weight drops on the surface of the eye, then the doctor determines the level of IOP by the degree of deflection of the cornea. This method is complex, requires thorough disinfection of the weight to prevent infection of patients, and is also not very accurate. The method of contactless tonometry is devoid of unpleasant sensations (the patient senses only a slight movement of air) and eliminates infection.
To reduce IOP, the doctor will prescribe drops. The treatment process is long and, despite its apparent simplicity, requires constant monitoring. Firstly, in order not to miss the appearance of side effects, and secondly, over time, the eyes can get used to the drops. In these cases, the doctor will change the treatment regimen. In addition, it may happen that not a single drop has the proper effect on intraocular pressure, its norm may not be restored for a long time. In this case, an operation (laser or microsurgical) is performed to create new ways of outflow of fluid from the eye.
Remember that, while glaucoma can not limit the visual load, there are other contraindications. For example, you can not drink liquids more than 2 liters per day, lift weights, and also be in the upside down position.
Decreased intraocular pressure is less common than elevated, and is usually not an independent disease. Most often, it develops against the background of inflammatory processes and eye injuries. However, it is no less dangerous. Due to the decrease in IOP, the nutrition of the eye is disturbed, and this eventually leads to the death of eye tissues.
It is dangerous both increased and decreased intraocular pressure for a long time. The norm, recall, is in the range from 16 to 24 mm RT. Art. What to do if you have found signs of intraocular pressure (high or low)? Of course, immediately consult an ophthalmologist.