Target Intraocular Pressure
Target intraocular pressure is the level of pressure inside the
eyes that a doctor sets for a person who has glaucoma or high eye pressure. The target pressure is based on the degree of optic nerve damage,
the amount of visual field loss, and, to a lesser degree, the initial pressure
in the eye and how widely it varies each time it is measured.
Treatment that keeps the pressure at or below the target level reduces the risk of damage to
the optic nerve and may help slow the progression of glaucoma. A doctor uses a
test called tonometry to monitor pressure in the eyes.
Last Revised:
February 28, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology