Ocular Hypertension
Elevated intraocular pressure without glaucomatous damage
This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →
What is Ocular Hypertension?
Ocular hypertension (OHT) is defined as intraocular pressure greater than 21 mmHg measured on multiple occasions, in the absence of detectable glaucomatous optic neuropathy or visual field defects, and with open anterior chamber angles on gonioscopy. It is distinct from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), although it is one of the strongest predictors for its development.
The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) demonstrated that approximately 9.5% of untreated OHT patients develop POAG over 5 years, and that IOP-lowering therapy reduces this risk by approximately 50%. Risk factors for conversion include older age, higher baseline IOP, thinner central corneal thickness (CCT), larger cup-to-disc ratio, and higher pattern standard deviation on visual field testing.
Management decisions are individualized based on calculated 5-year glaucoma risk using validated calculators (e.g., OHTS-EGPS Glaucoma Risk Calculator). Low-risk patients (<5%) are typically observed, moderate-risk (5-15%) considered for treatment, and high-risk (>15%) usually treated. First-line therapy includes prostaglandin analogs, with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) as an alternative initial treatment per recent LiGHT trial evidence.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Routine eye examination after age 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes or hypertension diagnosis
- Long-term steroid therapy
- Sudden increase in eye pressure
- Eye pain with halos around lights (rule out angle closure)
- Annual follow-up if previously diagnosed with OHT
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Learn About Göz Hastalıkları DepartmentLet us help you
You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.