What Causes High eye Pressure and How to Reduce it?
July 24, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
High eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. The exact cause of high eye pressure is not always known, but it is typically related to an imbalance between the production and drainage of the fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eye. Some factors that can contribute to high eye pressure include:
- Impaired Aqueous Humor Drainage: The most common cause of high eye pressure is reduced drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. This can occur due to blockages in the drainage channels (trabecular meshwork) or angle of the eye.
- Overproduction of Aqueous Humor: In some cases, the eye may produce too much aqueous humor, leading to an increase in eye pressure.
- Family History: People with a family history of glaucoma or high eye pressure are at higher risk.
- Age: As individuals get older, the risk of developing high eye pressure and glaucoma increases.
- Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups, such as African-Americans and people of Asian descent, are more prone to glaucoma and high eye pressure.
- Eye Injuries: Trauma or injuries to the eye can sometimes lead to high eye pressure.
- Certain Medications: Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, particularly eye drops, can raise eye pressure in some individuals.
To reduce high eye pressure and prevent the development or progression of glaucoma, the following approaches are often recommended:
- Prescription Eye Drops: Various eye drops are available that can help reduce eye pressure by either decreasing aqueous humor production or improving its drainage.
- Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to lower eye pressure, especially when eye drops are not sufficient.
- Laser Therapy: Laser procedures like trabeculoplasty or iridotomy can help improve the drainage of aqueous humor and reduce eye pressure.
- Surgery: When eye drops and laser therapy are not effective, or the glaucoma is advanced, surgical procedures may be recommended to create new drainage channels or reduce aqueous humor production.
- Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is crucial for managing high eye pressure and preventing vision loss. Regular eye exams, especially for individuals at higher risk, can help detect glaucoma or high eye pressure in its early stages.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Some studies suggest that regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking may help reduce the risk of glaucoma or manage eye pressure.
It’s important to note that the management of high eye pressure should be supervised by an eye care professional. If you have concerns about your eye health or are at risk for glaucoma, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management.