Definition
Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure, is caused by increased aqueous fluid buildup in the eye. Normal eye pressure is 11 to 21 mmHg, according to the Merck Manual. An abnormal rise in eye pressure that damages the optic nerve is called glaucoma. Glaucoma is not a single disease but rather a symptom caused by a number of conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic. High pressure without damage to the optic nerve is called ocular hypertension.
Personal Risk Factors
According to the Merck Manual, the risk of elevated eye pressure rises sixfold in people over age 60. African Americans are more prone to abnormal rises in age related intraocular pressure. Hispanics also have an increased risk of glaucoma as they age, and Asian Americans are at risk for developing two types of glaucoma, low tension glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma, according to the Mayo Clinic. A family history of glaucoma also increases your chance of developing elevated intraocular pressure.
Diseases
The Mayo Clinic states that people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) all have an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Having myopia, a condition where the eyeball is longer than normal that causes nearsightedness, also increases the risk of raised eye pressure. Inflammation of the eye such as uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea, the middle part of the eye, or iritis, inflammation of the colored part of the eye, can increase eye pressure. Diseases that require prolonged use of steroids, such as autoimmune diseases, also increase the risk of high intraocular pressure, especially if corticosteroid eye drops are used.
Trauma
Any type of trauma to the eye can raise the intraocular pressure. This includes eye surgery, such as cataract removal or vitrectomy, removal of the vitreous jelly to treat a retinal detachment, or traumatic injuries that move the lens of the eye out of place, according to the Mayo Clinic. Intravitreal injections to treat macular swelling or macular degeneration in the eye can also result in elevated intraocular pressure.
