General

Synonym/Acronym:
IOP.

Rationale
To evaluate changes in ocular pressure to assist in diagnosis of disorders such as glaucoma.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings

• Normal IOP is between 10 and 20 mm Hg.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
Increased IOP in the presence of sudden pain, sudden change in vision, a partially dilated and nonreactive pupil, and firm globe implies acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is an ocular emergency requiring immediate attention to avoid permanent vision loss. This condition requires immediate examination by an ophthalmologist. Iridotomy is the most likely intervention.

Timely notification to the requesting health-care provider (HCP) of any critical findings and related symptoms is a role expectation of the professional nurse. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.