Eye pressure
There are different forms of blood pressure, and the condition in which the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal is called ocular hypertension. Eye pressure is one of the leading reasons for glaucoma which can cause blindness if not treated properly. Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury and the normal eye pressure levels are between 10-20 mm of mercury. When it’s bigger than 20 mm, it is called ocular hypertension which should be taken seriously for a further examination.
On a side note, any healthy person’s eye pressure can be bigger than 20 mm of mercury and he/she can still see crystal clear without any discomfort. That’s why it’s not always a risky thing to have big numbers in terms of eye pressure level.
Reasons for High Eye Pressure
Aqueous humor is the fluid in the eye that contains nutritions. It is also responsible for taking away the waste from the eye. The balance between the produced and drainage water in the eye can keep the eye pressure level normal. But when there is a restriction in the eye’s drainage system, there appears to be more aqueous humor than it should be which causes high eye pressure. There are several factors that can change the production of aqueous liquid. After a trauma or an accident, the level of this liquid might change. Certain medications or other eye problems can also cause a change in aqueous levels which eventually lead the eye pressure.
Symptoms of High Eye Pressure
• The most common reasons for high eye pressure are considered to be intense eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• There are light symptoms too. These are headaches, tenderness around the eye, blurred vision, or redness in the eye.
• Eye pressure is more common in people aged 40 and over. If you are suffering from one or more of these light symptoms, it’s recommended for you to visit a doctor’s office before the pressure arises.
Lowering the Eye Pressure
There are several things that you can do at home to reduce your eye pressure. You can start with having a balanced and healthy diet as it contains vitamins and antioxidants that are important for eye health. Exercising and having a healthy lifestyle also promotes for the good eye health.
If you are drinking too many caffeinated drinks, it can also cause eye pressure. So be sure to limit your coffee, soda, and tea consumption. Another thing you may try to do is sleep with your head elevated. It is a very easy and successful method to reduce eye pressure. You can also use prescribed medications including gels and eye drops to reduce your high eye pressure.
Relation Between High Eye Pressure and Glaucoma
A decade ago, high eye pressure was considered to be the only reason for glaucoma. So doctors were measuring up people’s eye pressure levels for the diagnosis of glaucoma. But studies showed that there are other factors related to glaucoma as well. High eye pressure is one of the reasons for glaucoma but it’s not the only reason alone. Besides, eye pressure levels can change due to several factors.
