Intraocular pressure and its normal range adjusted for ocular and systemic parameters. The Beijing Eye Study 2011

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in eye health, particularly in glaucoma management.
• Understanding the normal distribution and influencing factors of IOP is essential for defining healthy ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the distribution of intraocular pressure (IOP) in a general population.
• To investigate associations between IOP and various ocular and systemic parameters.

Main Methods:

• A population-based, cross-sectional study (Beijing Eye Study 2011) included 3135 participants without glaucoma.
• Ophthalmologic and systemic examinations were performed, with IOP measured via non-contact tonometry.

Main Results:

• The mean IOP was 14.7 ± 2.8 mmHg, with a 95% percentile of 20 mmHg and 97.5% percentile of 21 mmHg in younger adults, decreasing with age.
• Higher IOP correlated with younger age, elevated blood glucose and triglycerides, higher diastolic blood pressure, increased pulse rate, greater alcohol consumption, thicker central cornea, myopia, and steeper anterior corneal curvature.

Conclusions:

• Intraocular pressure is influenced by numerous systemic and ocular factors, including age and blood pressure.
• These physiological associations should be considered when establishing normal IOP ranges.