Eyepressure

eyepressure

Eye pressure refers to the fluid pressure inside the eyeball, also known as intraocular pressure, and it results from a balance between fluid production and drainage inside the eye. Doctors measure it with instruments that gently touch the eye or use a puff of air; the measured number helps assess the risk of damage to the optic nerve. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor for diseases that can slowly harm vision, but some people with normal pressure still develop nerve damage, so pressure is only one part of the assessment. Pressure can vary during the day and be influenced by medications, body position, exercise, and other health conditions. Because a single reading can be misleading, clinicians compare multiple measurements over time and combine them with imaging and vision tests to make decisions. Treatments aim to lower pressure through eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. Regular pressure checks are important because pressure increases often do not cause noticeable symptoms. If you have risk factors or a family history of eye disease, monitoring eye pressure is a simple but important way to help protect your sight.