{"id":31212,"date":"2025-03-31T15:06:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T13:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/elevated-eye-pressure-symptoms-treatment-causes-and-risks-of-high-intraocular-pressure\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T23:01:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T21:01:04","slug":"elevated-eye-pressure-symptoms-treatment-causes-and-risks-of-high-intraocular-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/elevated-eye-pressure-symptoms-treatment-causes-and-risks-of-high-intraocular-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"Elevated eye pressure: symptoms, treatment, causes and risks of high intraocular pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A little pressure never hurts – they say. Does that also apply to the eye? Not quite. Increased intraocular pressure<\/strong> can go unnoticed, but can have serious long-term consequences for your eyesight<\/strong> – including glaucoma<\/strong>. In this article, you will find out how eye pressure develops<\/strong>, what symptoms and risks<\/strong> are associated with it – and why it plays a crucial role<\/strong> if you are considering laser eye treatment or lens surgery<\/strong>. Clear, understandable and with an eye for the essentials. <\/p>\n\n

What does increased eye pressure mean – and when does it become a problem?<\/h2>\n\n

Increased eye pressure<\/strong> occurs when the aqueous humor<\/strong> in the eye is no longer in balance – in other words, either too much is produced or too little is removed. This clear fluid system circulates inside the eye<\/strong>, more precisely between the lens<\/strong>, iris<\/strong> and the so-called chamber angle<\/strong>, where the outflow takes place. If this is disturbed, the pressure in the eye<\/strong> rises. <\/p>\n\n

How high should the intraocular pressure normally be?<\/h3>\n\n

Normally, intraocular pressure<\/strong> is between 10 and 21 mmHg<\/strong>. Values above this are considered elevated – not always dangerous, but potentially risky. This is because high eye pressure<\/strong> can lead to damage to the optic nerve<\/strong> in the long term. Particularly problematic: the increased pressure usually causes no pain or symptoms<\/strong> – it often remains undetected for a long time. <\/p>\n\n

It becomes critical when the pressure increases permanently, because:<\/p>\n\n

    \n
  • It can change the round shape of the eye.<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It strains the sensitive inner layers of the eye<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • It can lead to damage to the optic nerve<\/strong> – often irreversible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

    In this context, ophthalmologists<\/strong> often speak of a risk factor for glaucoma <\/strong>– a serious eye disease<\/strong> that can permanently impair vision<\/strong>. Therefore, anyone who suspects increased intraocular pressure<\/strong> should definitely have an eye examination<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

    \n
    \n

    Causes of increased intraocular pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are many possible causes of increased eye pressure – from harmless to absolutely worth investigating: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Woman<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    Imbalance in the outflow of aqueous humor <\/h3>\n\n

    The most common cause of increased eye pressure<\/strong> is an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor<\/strong>. The aqueous humor is produced by the ciliary body<\/strong> behind the iris<\/strong> and circulates through the eye. It supplies the cornea<\/strong> and lens with nutrients before it drains through the angle of the eye<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

    If this outflow<\/strong> is disturbed<\/strong> – for example due to a narrowing of the chamber angle<\/strong>, adhesions<\/strong> or structural changes<\/strong> – the aqueous humor can no longer be removed<\/strong> to a sufficient extent. As a result, the pressure in the eye increases<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

    Typical causes of this impaired drainage are<\/p>\n\n

      \n
    • Predisposition<\/strong>: Especially in people with flat anterior chambers of the eye.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Inflammations or injuries<\/strong> that block the chamber angle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Age-related changes<\/strong> in the eye tissue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Vascular changes<\/strong> or circulatory disorders<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

      In rare cases, a certain enzyme<\/strong> that is responsible for the breakdown of metabolic products in the aqueous humor is even missing. This can also lead to an increase in pressure<\/strong> in the long term. If left untreated, there is a risk of gradual damage to the optic nerve<\/strong>, which can lead to impaired vision<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

      Symptoms and warning signs of high eye pressure <\/h2>\n\n

      Elevated eye pressure<\/strong> often remains symptom-free<\/strong> for a long time – and this is precisely what makes it so insidious. In contrast to many other diseases, high intraocular pressure<\/strong> does not cause acute pain, redness or clearly noticeable changes. The first warning signs<\/strong> often only appear when damage to the optic nerve<\/strong> has already occurred. <\/p>\n\n

      Typical signs that may indicate high eye pressure<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n

        \n
      • Blurred vision<\/strong> or circles of light<\/strong> around light sources (especially at night)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Feeling of pressure in the eye<\/strong> (rare)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Headaches<\/strong>, especially in the forehead area<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Visual deterioration<\/strong> without a recognizable cause<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Later: loss of visual field<\/strong>, which usually begins unnoticed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

        In particularly severe cases – such as an acute attack of glaucoma<\/strong> – severe eye pain<\/strong>, nausea, vomiting and a dilated, fixed pupil<\/strong> occur very suddenly. This is an ophthalmological emergency that must be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage to the optic nerve<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

        Diagnosis and measurement of eye pressure (tonometry)<\/h2>\n\n

        The diagnosis<\/strong> of increased eye pressure<\/strong> begins with a precise measurement of the intraocular pressure<\/strong> – also known as tonometry<\/strong>. This examination is one of the most important routine ophthalmological checks<\/strong> and is completely painless. <\/p>\n\n

        There are various methods for measuring eye pressure<\/strong>, which are used differently depending on the practice:<\/p>\n\n

          \n
        • Applanation tonometry<\/strong>: The gold standard – the cornea<\/strong> is slightly flattened to determine the pressure in the eye.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Non-contact tonometry<\/strong> (air blast measurement): Particularly popular for screening examinations as it works quickly and without contact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Rebound tonometry<\/strong>: Used primarily for children or sensitive patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

          In addition, many ophthalmologists<\/strong> also use supplementary diagnostics, e.g:<\/p>\n\n

            \n
          • OCT (optical coherence tomography)<\/strong> to visualize the optic nerve<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Visual field measurement<\/strong> (perimetry) to detect initial loss of function<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Ventricular angle analysis<\/strong> with special lenses or imaging procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

            This combination of tonometry<\/strong>, optic nerve monitoring<\/strong> and functional tests<\/strong> allows early signs of glaucoma<\/strong> to be detected – even before there is any measurable impairment of vision<\/strong>. If necessary, a good ophthalmologist<\/strong> will also regularly check the outflow of aqueous humor<\/strong> in order to better assess the causes and risks<\/strong> of a possible increase in pressure<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

            Treatment options for increased intraocular pressure: <\/h2>\n\n

            If increased intraocular pressure<\/strong> is detected, the treatment depends on how high the pressure is, whether there is already damage to the optic nerve<\/strong> and the underlying cause<\/strong>. The aim of any treatment is to lower the eye pressure<\/strong> in order to protect vision in the long term<\/strong> and prevent or slow down the development of glaucoma<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

            1. drug treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

            The first step is usually the administration of eye drops<\/strong>, which:<\/p>\n\n

              \n
            • reduce the production of aqueous humor<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • improve the outflow<\/strong> via the chamber angle<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • or do both at the same time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

              The common active ingredients include:<\/p>\n\n

                \n
              • Prostaglandin analogs<\/strong> (improve the outflow),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Beta-blockers<\/strong> (reduce aqueous humor production),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors<\/strong> (reduce production in the ciliary body<\/strong>),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Alpha agonists<\/strong> (double effect).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                2. laser treatments<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

                If eye drops do not work sufficiently or are not tolerated, laser treatment<\/strong> may be useful:<\/p>\n\n

                  \n
                • Laser trabeculoplasty<\/strong>: improves the outflow of aqueous humor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Iridotomy<\/strong>: for narrow chamber angles to improve pressure equalization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                  3. surgical interventions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

                  In advanced cases or if the increase in pressure is resistant to treatment, surgery may be considered:<\/p>\n\n

                    \n
                  • Trabeculectomy<\/strong>: creates a new drainage path for the aqueous humor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Microimplants<\/strong> (e.g. iStent): are inserted into the chamber angle to permanently improve the outflow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                    4 Supplementary measures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

                    A healthy lifestyle<\/strong> also plays a role:<\/p>\n\n

                      \n
                    • Blood pressure control<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Regular exercise<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Abstaining from smoking<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Avoid pressure on the eye<\/strong>, e.g. by pressing hard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
                      \n
                      \n
                      \"Man<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
                      \n

                      Effects of high eye pressure on laser eye surgery \/ lens surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Increased eye pressure<\/strong> is an important aspect that must be taken into account when planning laser eye treatment<\/strong> or lens surgery<\/strong>. This is because intraocular pressure<\/strong> can affect suitability<\/strong> for certain procedures as well as safety and healing<\/strong> after the operation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Why the eye pressure is carefully examined before the procedure:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Before a laser treatment<\/strong> (e.g. Femto-LASIK<\/strong>, Trans-PRK<\/strong>, SmartSight<\/strong>) or lens replacement<\/strong> is planned, a comprehensive diagnosis<\/strong> is always carried out, including measurement of the eye pressure<\/strong>. Increased pressure in the eye<\/strong> can indicate existing or incipient glaucoma<\/strong> – a condition that must be treated with particular caution. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

                      <\/p>\n\n

                      Possible effects:<\/h4>\n\n
                        \n
                      • Increased risk of complications<\/strong>: If the pressure is too high, delayed wound healing, pressure fluctuations or even deterioration of the optic nerve<\/strong> may occur after the operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Limitation of suitability<\/strong>: Not all laser or lens procedures are recommended for increased intraocular pressure<\/strong> – depending on the condition of the chamber angle<\/strong>, the optic nerve<\/strong> and the inner layers of the eye<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Long-term monitoring necessary<\/strong>: Even after the operation, the pressure must be checked regularly to rule out possible consequential damage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                        What this means for patients:<\/h4>\n\n
                          \n
                        • Ophthalmologic clarification in advance<\/strong> is mandatory – at EyeLaser Vienna & Linz, comprehensive diagnostics with tonometry and optic nerve analysis<\/strong> are therefore carried out before every refractive procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Individual consultation<\/strong>: If the eye pressure is elevated<\/strong>, we will check together whether surgery is still possible – possibly with an adapted technique or after prior medication.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • No automatic diagnosis of exclusion<\/strong>: An elevated intraocular pressure does not mean that surgery is not possible – but the decision must be based on sound diagnostics and experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n

                          So anyone considering laser eye treatment<\/strong> or lens implantation<\/strong> should definitely have<\/strong> their eye pressure checked at an early stage<\/strong>. This provides certainty – and creates the basis for individual and low-risk treatment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          A little pressure never hurts – they say. Does that also apply to the eye? Not quite. Increased intraocular pressure…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":30395,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[210],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge-about-the-eye"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31212"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31212\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30395"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}