What is ocular hypertension?

Ocular hypertension is a condition where pressure inside the eye is higher than normal, according to WebMD. Normal eye pressure ranges from 10 to 21 millimeters of mercury, whereas patients with hypertension experience eye pressure greater than 21 millimeters of mercury.

People with ocular hypertension do not typically have signs of glaucoma or problems with the optic nerve, explains WebMD. Physicians determine the cause of the increased pressure by assessing the drainage system within the eye and measuring the pressure with a tonometer. Ocular hypertension can result from eye conditions that affect the vision, drainage and pressure within one or both eyes.