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Dr. Lloyd's blog has now been retired. We appreciate all the wisdom and support Dr. Lloyd has brought to the WebMD community throughout the years. Continue to get the latest information about vision by visiting the Eye Health Center. Talk with others about vision on the Eye & Vision Health: Member Discussion message board.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

What Is The Opposite of GLAUCOMA?
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Most adults are aware that elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) contributes to the permanent vision loss in glaucoma. Most glaucoma treatments (medication, laser, surgery) are directed at lowering IOP. Yes, there are other glaucoma risk factors but lowering IOP is the only controllable risk factor.

Much discussion is spent on the 'ideal IOP', the 'borderline IOP', and the 'dangerous IOP'. What about the abnormally low IOP? Intuitively it sounds like the opposite of glaucoma and, therefore, a good thing. A good thing? Not so fast, Martha!

Consider this, normal body temperature is 98.6F and 103F is a fever. 93F is hypothermia, a life-threatening medical emergency. Looking at it another way, the normal air pressure in a bicycle tire is 65psi, the tube may burst at 115psi, but you will definitely not enjoy riding on 10psi tires!

The medical term for low IOP is hypotony (say high-POT-oh-nee). Persistent low pressure can cause serious changes inside the eye that can destroy vision. Hypotony often develops after eye surgery but typically resolves once healing is completed. Severe trauma, inflammation and infection can abnormally lower the IOP. Chronic hypotony can lead to blindness.

Treating the underlying cause for low IOP will usually restore the pressure back to the normal range. I was prompted to post this blog after receiving an inquiry about hypotony on the WebMD Vision & Eye Disorder Member Board. If you have eye questions regarding yourself or a loved one I hope you will meet me there!

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 11:36 PM

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