Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the pressure caused by the fluid inside the eye that helps maintain the shape of the eye. The level of pressure inside the eyes depends on:
- How much fluid is produced inside the eye.
- Whether fluid can travel normally through the eye.
- How well the fluid is removed from the eye.
The pressure within the eyes varies during the day. Normally, the pressure inside the eye ranges from 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to 21 mm Hg.
References
Citations
Shah R, Wormald R (2006). Glaucoma, search date January 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Trobe JD (2006). Principal ophthalmic conditions. Physician's Guide to Eye Care, 3rd ed., chap. 6, pp. 107–111. San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology |
| Last Updated | May 23, 2008 |



