Ocular hypertension, or increase in intraocular pressure, is a process that need not necessarily be synonymous with glaucoma, a disorder in which there is damage to the optic nerve and for which ocular hypertension is the main risk factor.
Eye pressure varies from person to person, and there is no precise normal figure. In some patients, eye pressure is at the higher end of what we consider reasonable for the general population, without this “borderline pressure” causing any functional or structural damage to vision or the optic nerve.
DETECTION/TESTING
It is in these patients that we observe a slight ocular hypertension without alteration in the rest of the clinical examination or complementary tests. A meticulous ongoing study is required, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), which allows us to evaluate the different layers of the retina and optic nerve, and visual field tests that enable us to assess the clinical or functional impact that the structural alterations visible in the OCT have on the patient’s vision.
OCULAR HYPERTENSION TREATMENTS
Depending on each individual case, patients can opt to use antiglaucoma agents (drops) or simply monitor it closely as not all cases of ocular hypertension will stem from glaucoma and those that do need to be detected as early as possible, even before symptoms appear. As such, state-of-the-art equipment is needed, enabling us to detect miniscule changes in the nerve fibres so that we can act early and to prevent these abnormalities having any repercussions on the patient’s vision.
PIONEERS IN EYE SURGERY
At CLÍNICA RAHHAL, we have state-of-the-art technological equipment which, combined with our teamwork, ensures the best results.
“I have been going to Rahhal for many years with my entire family because of the quality of the service and the family atmosphere that the whole team provides”.
Álvaro Lluch.
“Besides his professionalism, you can see that Dr Rahhal enjoys his work and is happy doing it. I went to him for an initial consultation and have never since wanted to go to any other clinic. I am truly delighted”.
Marisa.
“I have been a patient for some time and I am delighted with them. The staff are attentive and very professional, and the facilities are excellent”.
Esther Herranz.
WE FINANCE YOUR TREATMENT
TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
At CLÍNICA RAHHAL, we don’t want to make it expensive to see and we want to ensure our cataract surgery treatments are accessible to our patients.
FAQs
Select one of the following frequently-asked questions from our patients to display the answer. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us using the form below.
No. These refer to two different concepts. Blood pressure depends on our cardiovascular system, whereas eye pressure will depend on our eye’s ability to “filter” the liquid content inside it.
The pain resulting from raised levels will depend on whether these levels are chronically raised, in which case the eye “gets used to” this pressure and it is not usually painful, or whether they are acutely raised, i.e., suddenly. In these cases, if levels are significantly raised, this can be painful. However, in most cases the pressure is chronically raised and this increase is not very noticeable, which means the patient remains asymptomatic and ocular hypertension is detected during a routine eye examination.
Although both forms are widely accepted to measure eye pressure, the air puff test is much less accurate as it is an approximation of the actual level.
An appropriate eye pressure level is generally considered to be below 21 mmHg. However, many patients with levels that are slightly higher never develop any disorders, and patients with pressure levels that are even lower may still develop eye conditions. In short, even though the maximum pressure is around 21 mmHg, everyone has pressure levels that are more or less optimal for them, and a particular level is not necessarily either normal or indicative of a disorder in different patients.
Not in every case. What you need to do is closely monitor these cases and determine whether or not this pressure level is causing an eye disorder.
Not necessarily. A pressure level that is slightly above the average limit does not entail a disorder in every patient. However, pressure levels that are considered “normal” for most people, are enough in some people to encourage the development or progress of glaucoma. Eye pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma and a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist is what should determine this so as to be able to take the appropriate treatment option if necessary.
Of course. The genetic load has a very significant impact and for that reason patients with relatives who have been affected by glaucoma must be closely monitored by an ophthalmologist.
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