Most people don’t think about eye pressure until they start experiencing vision problems. However, maintaining normal intraocular pressure is critical to eye health, as prolonged elevated pressure can lead to serious issues like glaucoma and vision loss.
Eye pressure typically falls between 10 to 20 millimeters of mercury. However, dangerously high eye pressure is difficult to determine because it depends on the individual and how they react. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reduce eye pressure (and help reduce your anxiety over it), including eating a healthy diet, exercising, and regularly treating stress.
Our team can help you manage high eye pressure through regular comprehensive eye exams, prescriptions, and consultations for surgery (if needed).
Understanding Eye Pressure: The Basics
“Eye pressure” refers to what’s medically known as intraocular pressure (IOP)—the fluid pressure inside your eye. Your eyes are filled with a fluid called aqueous humor, which nourishes the eye and helps it maintain its shape. This fluid constantly flows in and out of the eye. The balance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor determines your intraocular pressure.
When there is too much fluid or the drainage in your eye becomes blocked, your eye pressure can rise, signaling a potential threat to your vision.
What Is the Normal Eye Pressure Range?
A healthy IOP typically falls between 10 to 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Anything above this range is considered elevated and may require attention.
However, “normal” pressure isn’t a one-size-fits-all benchmark. Some people with higher-than-average eye pressure never develop vision problems, while others with relatively normal pressures can suffer from conditions like glaucoma. (When glaucoma develops for people with normal eye pressure, it is referred to as normal-tension glaucoma.)
What Happens If Eye Pressure Is Too High or Too Low?
Both extremes—high and low eye pressure—carry risks:
- High eye pressure (ocular hypertension) can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to glaucoma or permanent vision loss if untreated.
- Low eye pressure (below 6 mmHg) is less common but can still cause problems, such as corneal damage or the collapse of the eyeball’s structure.
Routine eye exams and accurate IOP measurements are crucial for catching these problems before they become severe.
Causes of High Eye Pressure
Understanding the causes of elevated eye pressure can help prevent it long-term. There are several reasons why your intraocular pressure might rise.
Medications
Certain drugs, especially steroid-based medications, can increase your risk of ocular hypertension. These may include eye drops, pills, or inhaled treatments for asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Always consult your doctor about medication side effects if you have eye concerns.
Risk Factors
You could be more susceptible to high eye pressure due to a combination of factors, such as:
- Age: Risk can increase for individuals over 40.
- Family History: Genetics play a huge role—if glaucoma runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid issues are linked to elevated eye pressure.
- Trauma to the Eye: Injuries can disrupt fluid drainage mechanisms, creating pressure imbalance.
If any of these factors apply to you, regular checkups with an eye doctor are even more essential.
High Eye Pressure Symptoms
One of the challenges of managing high eye pressure is that it often lacks noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, there are a few telltale signs you can be on the lookout for.
Most people with high IOP won’t feel any immediate symptoms. That’s why glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight”—it can quietly damage your vision over time without warning.
If the pressure persists or reaches dangerously high levels, you may notice:
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Frequent headaches
Conversely, low eye pressure can cause discomfort, such as eye pain or a sunken feeling.
What Does Eye Pressure Pain Feel Like?
Eye pressure pain, usually experienced during acute glaucoma attacks, feels like a sharp or severe aching sensation. It is often paired with redness, nausea, and rapidly worsening blurry vision. This is often considered a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate treatment.
Diagnosing High Eye Pressure
During a routine eye exam, an eye doctor might use several techniques for evaluating your IOP and diagnosing glaucoma. The most common methods include:
- Tonometry: A device gently presses the cornea to measure the fluid pressure.
- Pachymetry: A test that measures the thickness of your cornea, which can help determine how it may affect IOP readings.
- Optic Nerve Imaging: A test for damage that may be a sign of glaucoma.
If you already attend annual eye checkups, these procedures may be part of them. If you’ve skipped a few appointments, now’s a good time to catch up!
How to Reduce & Treat High Eye Pressure
The great news is that high IOP doesn’t have to result in vision loss. There are practical measures, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions, that can help keep ocular hypertension in check.
For severe cases or acute pressure spikes, doctors may prescribe:
- Eye Drops Containing Beta-Blockers, Prostaglandin Analogs, or Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: These can lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production or enhancing its drainage route.
- Laser Therapy or Surgery: If medications are ineffective, surgical interventions may be required to create new drainage pathways for fluid.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes & Preventing Eye Pressure Issues
- Stick with Your Medication Plan. If prescribed drops, take them consistently.
- Stay Physically Active. Regular low-impact exercise, like walking or yoga, can reduce pressure naturally.
- Protect Your Eyes. Use safety goggles if you’re involved in activities that could increase your risk of eye trauma.
- Eat a Balanced Diet. Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as spinach, fish, and berries, promote overall eye health.
- Avoid Smoking. Smoking can damage optic nerves and worsen eye pressure issues.
Lastly, always prioritize regular eye exams. We can monitor your eye pressure and look for other vision-related problems.
Prioritize Your Eye Health
Pinnacle Eyecare advocates for individuals to partake in regular comprehensive eye exams to manage their eye health and catch warning signs for trouble like high eye pressure. Contact us today to prioritize early detection and proactive care for your eyes.
