What is the threshold for intraocular pressure that is considered elevated?

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Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical measurement in assessing eye health, particularly in the context of glaucoma. A commonly accepted threshold for elevated intraocular pressure is 21 mm Hg. However, the choice of 20 mm Hg is often recognized when discussing potential concerns related to intraocular pressure.

The reasoning behind this figure is that pressures above 20 mm Hg may indicate a risk for developing glaucoma, considering a normal range is typically between 10-21 mm Hg. Values over this threshold suggest that there may be an increased risk of optic nerve damage, which is a characteristic of glaucoma.

This understanding is pivotal for burn nurses, as patients with burn injuries, particularly those with facial burns, may be susceptible to conditions that could affect their eye health.

While other choices fall below the threshold typically used to define elevated IOP, the choice of 20 mm Hg accurately reflects a level where clinical vigilance is warranted to prevent complications associated with elevated intraocular pressure.

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