What Is Raised Eye Pressure?
Intraocular pressure is the fluid pressure inside the eye, maintained by the continuous production and drainage of aqueous humour. When this pressure rises above the normal range, usually because drainage isn’t keeping pace with production, it’s known as ocular hypertension, or raised eye pressure.
Raised pressure is the single most important risk factor for glaucoma, since sustained high pressure can gradually damage the optic nerve. Not everyone with raised eye pressure goes on to develop glaucoma, but the risk increases the higher the pressure and the longer it remains unmonitored.
You may have raised eye pressure if:
- You have no symptoms at all
- It was found on a routine eye test
- You have a family history of glaucoma
- You are short-sighted or over 40
- Your optic nerve looks unusual on examination
At A Glance
- Usually symptomless
- Found on routine testing
- Not everyone needs treatment
- Self-pay and insured patients
Other Conditions
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Cloudy Vision
- Dry Eyes
Haven't Had Your Eye Pressure Checked Recently?
Book an assessment with Mr Miles Parnell for a thorough glaucoma risk review.
How Raised Eye Pressure Is Assessed
Eye pressure is measured using tonometry, alongside examination of the optic nerve, corneal thickness measurement (pachymetry), and often visual field testing and OCT imaging of the nerve fibre layer.
Together, these determine whether raised pressure alone is present, or whether early glaucoma has already developed, and help calculate your individual risk of future optic nerve damage.
What To Expect From Treatment
Not everyone with raised eye pressure needs treatment immediately. Mr Parnell will assess your overall risk, taking into account your pressure level, corneal thickness, optic nerve appearance and family history, to decide whether monitoring alone is appropriate or whether pressure-lowering treatment should begin.
Risks & Safety
Monitoring alone carries no risk. Where treatment is recommended, this usually starts with eye drops, which carry a low, well-established risk profile that Mr Parnell will discuss with you in full.
Recovery
There’s no recovery involved in monitoring or starting eye drops. If laser or surgical treatment is later needed, recovery follows the same pathway as for glaucoma treatment.
When To Seek Help
Raised eye pressure itself doesn’t cause symptoms, so it’s usually found through a routine eye examination. If you have a family history of glaucoma, are over 40, or haven’t had your eye pressure checked recently, it’s worth arranging an assessment.
At A Glance
Other Conditions
Concerned About Cataracts?
Book an assessment with Mr Miles Parnell to find out whether surgery is right for you.
Common Features Of Raised Eye Pressure
No Symptoms
Almost always found on testing, not felt by the patient.
Family History
A key risk factor worth mentioning at your assessment.
Age Over 40
Risk increases steadily with age.
Short-Sightedness
A recognised additional risk factor.
Thin Cornea
Can make true eye pressure higher than it measures.
Optic Nerve Changes
Subtle signs sometimes seen before pressure itself is high.
Your Assessment Journey
A clear pathway from first check to ongoing peace of mind.
Pressure Check
Tonometry to measure your intraocular pressure accurately.
Risk Assessment
Corneal thickness, optic nerve and visual field review.
Monitoring Decision
Agreeing whether to monitor or begin treatment.
Ongoing Review
Regular checks to catch any change early.
Your Options
Monitoring
Regular review without treatment, for lower-risk patients.
Eye Drops
Started where risk of future damage is higher.
Referral For Glaucoma Care
If pressure or optic nerve changes progress.