A person who has increased intraocular eye pressure may not have glaucoma. If the high eye pressure slowly damages the optic nerve, the doctor will then diagnose the patient with glaucoma and recommend eye drops to lower the eye pressure. If the high pressures do not cause damage, the doctor will monitor for changes over time. Knowing some of the causes for raised intraocular pressure may help a person understand the condition.
Inadequate Drainage
A common cause for increased eye pressure results from poor drainage of the aqueous fluid in the front chamber of the eye. Over time, particles build up in the channels that drain the fluid, causing slow, inadequate drainage, explains the Glaucoma Research Foundation. The fluid backs up inside the front of the eye, raising the eye pressure. Most people do not experience symptoms from this type of pressure increase. If poor drainage raises the pressure to a degree that the pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, the eye doctor will recommend eye drops to decrease the eye pressure and reduce the risk for further damage to vision.
Angle Closure
Some people may experience a sudden blockage of the angle that leads to the drainage canal, causing a dramatic increase in eye pressure. Symptoms appear suddenly and include intense pain, nausea, vomiting and vision changes. Angle closure glaucoma often results from the iris closing off the angle, says the National Eye Institute. A person with angle closure requires immediate medical attention to lower the eye pressure. Eye drops may help reduce the pressure to a level that reduces painfulness. However, many people require a surgical procedure, called an iridotomy, to create a small hole in the iris for the fluid to drain from. If left untreated for an extended period of time, a person may experience a permanent loss of vision.
Pigment Buildup
Some people, usually young or middle aged adults, have an increased eye pressure as a result of pigment clogging the meshwork that leads to the drainage canal. The pigment comes from the iris, the colored part of the eye. Activities such as running may cause the pigment to fall, explains MayoClinic.com. Once diagnosed, the eye doctor will monitor eye pressure and changes in the optic nerve. If necessary, eye drops will help lower the raised pressure.
Medical Complications
Medical conditions may cause an increase in intraocular pressure. Some conditions include dense cataracts, injury to the eye, eye tumors or inflammation inside the eye, says the National Eye Institute. The use of medications such as corticosteroids may cause raised intraocular pressure as well.
