intraocular pressure

intraocular pressure The pressure created by the continual renewal of fluids within the eye. Intraocular pressure is increased in glaucoma. In acute angle-closure glaucoma, intraocular pressure rises because the canal into which the fluid in the front part of the eye normally drains is suddenly blocked. In chronic glaucoma, there is a gradual imbalance between the production and removal (resorption) of the fluid in the back part of the eye, causing the supply of fluid to exceed demand. See also glaucoma.