Abstract: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is clinically characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, headaches, papilledema, and vision loss, predominantly affecting obese women of childbearing age. IIH poses a significant threat to patients' vision and quality of life. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms driving the increase in intracranial pressure remain unclear. Previously, theories primarily focused on abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid circulation，but in recent years, it has been gradually recognized that abnormal glymphatic system, obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, androgen and glucocorticoid disorders are involved in the occurrence of this disease. OCT examination and telemetry intracranial pressure monitor can monitor the fluctuation of intracranial pressure in patients, which provides help for the prevention and delay of complications of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Furthermore, novel targeted drugs, such as 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, offer new therapeutic options for managing IIH. (Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2024, 48:  349-356)

Key words: idiopathic intracranial hypertension, papilledema, new targeted drugs