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Intraocular Pressure

Meaning

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the measurable fluid pressure exerted by the aqueous humor within the globe of the eye, which is essential for maintaining the eye’s structural integrity and its proper optical function. This pressure is a critically important clinical parameter, as chronically elevated IOP is the single most significant modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma. Regular clinical measurement of this pressure is a standard component of preventative ophthalmic care, particularly in aging individuals.