Increased eye pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, occurs when there's an imbalance in the fluid dynamics of the eye. Specifically, this means either too much fluid entering the eye or too little fluid draining from the eye. The fluid in question is the aqueous humor, a clear liquid that nourishes the eye.
How Fluid Imbalance Leads to Increased Pressure
Here's a breakdown of the mechanisms:
- Increased Fluid Production: If the eye produces more aqueous humor than it can drain, the pressure inside the eye will rise.
- Reduced Fluid Drainage: If the drainage channels for the aqueous humor are blocked or not functioning properly, fluid will accumulate, also increasing pressure.
Conditions Affecting Fluid Drainage
Several conditions can impede the drainage of aqueous humor, leading to increased intraocular pressure. Some examples include:
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (the uvea) can interfere with the normal flow of aqueous humor.
Summary Table
| Factor | Effect on Eye Pressure |
|---|---|
| Increased Fluid Production | Increases |
| Reduced Fluid Drainage | Increases |
| Uveitis | Can increase |
In essence, any situation where the balance between fluid production and drainage in the eye is disrupted can lead to increased eye pressure. This increased pressure is a key factor in the development of glaucoma, a serious eye disease.
