Quesion:
Hi
What are normal limits of eye pressure for a male of 45 years?What is better,being on low or high side of normal eye pressure?Thank you.George
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Answer:
George,
The normal eye pressure is usually between 8 and 21.
In the past it used to be said that anyone with an eye pressure greater than 21 had glaucoma and anyone with an eye pressure less than 21 did not have glaucoma.
Eye pressure is the greatest risk factor for developing glaucoma but is not the only risk factor. We now know that many people with eye pressure greater than 21 never develop glaucoma. They are considered to have ocular hypertension. We also know that about 15% of all people with glaucoma have "normal" pressure.
It turns out that different people have different pressure sensitivity. Some eyes can tolerate high pressures better than others, but in general, the lower one's eye pressure, the lower the risk for glaucoma.
People with high pressure should be followed for glaucoma even if they do not have it. Currently, a large multi-center study (which includes Henry Ford Hospital) is underway to best determine the treatment for ocular hypertension.
It is best for anyone with concern about eye pressure be seen by an ophthalmologist and have his or her eyes throughly examined.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
