Hypotony in One Eye: Understanding Low Intraocular Pressure and Its Consequences
Hypotony, or low intraocular pressure (IOP), in one eye—particularly the left eye—can be a concerning condition. While the term may sound harmless, the consequences of prolonged or severe hypotony can be serious, potentially leading to vision loss or irreversible eye damage if not promptly addressed. What Is Hypotony? Hypotony refers to abnormally low pressure inside the eye. It is typically defined as an IOP of 5 mm Hg or less , although some people may not exhibit symptoms until the IOP drops below 6.5 mm Hg . For reference, normal IOP ranges between 12 and 22 mm Hg . The Role of Aqueous Humor The aqueous humor is the clear fluid produced by the ciliary body of the eye. It flows through the anterior and posterior chambers , nourishing the eye tissues and helping maintain proper pressure. A healthy eye maintains a balance between the amount of fluid produced and the amount drained. If this balance is disrupted—by over-drainage or underproduction—the IOP drops, potentially lea...