Ocular hypertension

The term for pressure inside the eye is intraocular (say "in-truh-AW-kyuh-ler") pressure. This pressure is caused by the fluid in the eye. The fluid helps the eye keep its shape. Sometimes the pressure inside the eye gets too high. Over time, this can damage the optic nerve. High pressure that's caught before this damage occurs is called ocular hypertension.

Damage of the optic nerve can lead to glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the main causes of vision loss. People with high pressure in their eyes may be called "glaucoma suspects."

High pressure in the eyes is more likely to lead to glaucoma in certain people. This includes people who have a family history of glaucoma.

High pressure in the eye doesn't cause any symptoms. It's usually found during a routine eye exam. This exam includes a test to check the pressure in the eyes.

The doctor will also do tests to check the optic nerve and to look for vision loss.