Glaucoma FAQs (cont.)
Medical Author:
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACS
Andrew A. Dahl, MD, FACSAndrew A. Dahl, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Dr. Dahl's educational background includes a BA with Honors and Distinction from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, and an MD from Cornell University, where he was selected for Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He had an internal medical internship at the New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. IN THIS ARTICLE
If Eye Pressure Is High, Does That Mean a Person Has Glaucoma?Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal eye pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mm Hg. When a person's pressure is higher than 21 mm Hg, they are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma. Some people can tolerate pressures slightly higher than normal without developing glaucoma. This is called ocular hypertension. If an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery) diagnoses ocular hypertension, it does not mean that a person has glaucoma, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk for developing the condition and they should be examined routinely to ensure no permanent optic nerve damage and vision loss occur. On the other hand, some people with normal pressures can still go on to develop optic nerve damage and to lose vision. This is called normal (or low) tension glaucoma. Must Read Articles Related to Glaucoma FAQs
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsGlaucoma - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Which symptoms led to the discovery of your glaucoma? |
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Glaucoma, Primary Congenital »
By definition, primary congenital glaucoma is present at birth; however, its manifestations may not be recognized until infancy or early childhood.
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