Significance

• Your eyes contain fluid called aqueous humor. An increase in this fluid can elevate intraocular pressure. High IOP is a risk factor for glaucoma, a condition which can lead to vision loss.
  
  

Normal Range

• Normal IOP ranges from 12 to 22 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Ocular pressure higher than normal is called intraocular hypertension.
  
  

Treatment

• A June 2002 study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology determined that eye drops used to help lower IOP can delay the onset of related conditions such as glaucoma.
  
  

Screening

• You should visit your eye doctor for a thorough exam every one to two years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent IOP screenings if you have other glaucoma risk factors such as family history.
  
  

Warning

• High IOP is only one of the risk factors for glaucoma. It's possible to have a normal IOP and still have the condition.