ocular hypertension is used where the intraocular pressure is found to be >21 mm Hg on two consecutive occasions in the absence of any detectable glaucomatous damage.

It is a major risk factor for the development of glaucoma. Lowering IOP has been shown to decrease this risk.

Epidemiology: estimated to affect 3-5% of individuals aged over 40

Risk factors:

• those with family history of ocular hypertension or glaucoma
• people who have diabetes or high blood pressure
• people over age 40
• African-Americans and Hispanics
• people who are very myopic (nearsighted)
• people who take long-term steroid medications
• people who have had eye injuries or surgery

PC

Usually asymptomatic

Investigation

Tonometry - To determine IOP

Management

the intraocular pressure, the central corneal thickness and the age of the patient will determine whether treatment is instigated or not:

• For those not treated - ongoing monitoring, due to risk of POAG developing
• For those who do require treatment, this involves IOP-lowering drugs (see OAG management)

Patients monitored 6 months to yearly