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Amazing eye physiology: The pyramid rule favors intraocular pressure!
Intraocular Pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside the eye. This value is often used by eye professionals to assess the risk of glaucoma. Not only that, changes in intraocular pressure are affected by multiple factors, affecting our ability to detect and treat eye diseases in a timely manner. Intraocular pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) according to most tonometer standards.
Physiology of intraocular pressureThe formation of intraocular pressure mainly depends on the balance between the production and discharge of aqueous humor by the ciliary body. When the drainage of aqueous humor is blocked, the pressure within the eye may increase. "Intraocular pressure is determined by the rate at which aqueous humor is produced and drained." In addition, the fixed volume of the retina does not affect the regulation of intraocular pressure.
The normal range of intraocular pressure is 10 mmHg to 20 mmHg, and the average value is about 15.5 mmHg.
How to measure intraocular pressure
Currently the most commonly used method is to measure with a tonometer. Although palpation is a time-honored and simple form of measurement, it is less accurate and more sensitive to high-pressure situations. In addition to traditional intraocular pressure measurement, there are some new sensors that can perform continuous intraocular pressure monitoring, and technologies that are not affected by the characteristics of the cornea are gradually being adopted. Intraocular pressure is affected by the thickness and rigidity of the cornea, so certain refractive surgeries may cause abnormalities in traditional measurements.
Different types of intraocular pressure
According to the consensus of ophthalmologists and optometry professionals, the normal range of intraocular pressure is 10 to 20 mmHg. If the intraocular pressure is higher than this range but does not cause optic nerve damage, it is called "high intraocular pressure" (OHT). On the contrary, if the intraocular pressure is less than or equal to 5 mmHg, it may be a case of "low eye pressure" or "collapsed eyeball".
Factors that affect intraocular pressure
Daily Changes
Intraocular pressure varies within 24 hours. The daily variation range for normal eyes is usually 3 to 6 mmHg, while the variation in patients with glaucoma may be greater.
Sports Impact
Some preliminary studies suggest that physical activity may have some effect on intraocular pressure, but the jury is still out.
Musical Instruments
Playing certain wind instruments may cause increased pressure inside the eye. According to a 2011 study, playing high-resistance wind instruments can cause "temporary and sometimes dramatic fluctuations" in intraocular pressure.
Drug effects
Intraocular pressure can also be affected by heart rate, breathing, fluid intake, and even various medications. Alcohol and marijuana may temporarily lower intraocular pressure, while caffeine may cause it to increase. Oral glycerol can quickly bring about a temporary reduction in intraocular pressure, which can be used as an important emergency treatment in emergency situations.
Importance of intraocular pressureThe level of intraocular pressure is directly related to the risk of glaucoma. Systematic studies have found that increased intraocular pressure is an important factor leading to the progression of glaucoma. Abnormal intraocular pressure may also cause retinal detachment, iritis and other problems, and may affect our vision health and quality of life.
The results of epidemiological studies show that fluctuations in intraocular pressure must be assessed before any surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
In general, intraocular pressure is a physiological phenomenon that combines many factors, and there are still many unrevealed mysteries worth exploring. Should people pay more attention to this seemingly small but crucial physiological indicator to protect their eye health?
