You use your eyes every day, and it can be easy to forget to care for them properly when you aren’t having any noticeable issues. But one day, you wake up and feel some unexpected eye pressure in your eyeballs. You immediately start wondering, “is it time to feel concerned?” When experiencing eye pressure, you might feel nervous about what could be going on within your eyes, especially if they don’t ever bother you.
Routine eye exams can help you preventatively care for your eyes and help you with any issues that may arise before they get too serious, including intraocular eye pressure. You may have questions about this eye ailment and what can be done to maintain normal intraocular pressure. Here are some of the frequently asked questions you might want answers to regarding your eye pressure.
What is Intraocular Eye Pressure?
Intraocular eye pressure is the pressure in your eyes, typically measured by how much fluid you have in your eyes. Typically, eye pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mm Hg. Anything over a pressure measuring 22 mm Hg is considered high and can be a symptom of either glaucoma or other issues.
High intraocular eye pressure can sometimes cause damage to the optic nerve, but it is important to note that your eye doctor will not consider high eye pressure as a disease on its own. It may indicate another condition, an eye issue, or nothing at all. It is essential to understand your circumstances and eye pressure issues by speaking with your eye doctor.
What Causes Intraocular Eye Pressure?
Many different issues can cause elevated intraocular eye pressure. Glaucoma, eye tumors, injuries, or infection can increase the pressure in your eyes. People who struggle with high blood pressure and who consume alcohol are more likely to suffer from intraocular eye pressure. If you suspect you have increased eye pressure, it is best to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor!
What Are the Symptoms of Intraocular Eye Pressure?
You may experience pain, burning in the eyes, blurred vision, redness in the whites of your eyes, or sensitivity to light. Another symptom is an eye drainage system that is narrow or closed. These symptoms can cause pain or discomfort in the eyes.
However, some people have no symptoms of eye pressure. That’s why it’s so important to have regular eye exams. You may not know your eyes have pressure issues if an eye doctor doesn’t regularly see you. If you don’t know, you might damage your optic nerve irreversibly.
Does Having Eye Pressure Mean You Have Glaucoma?
Not necessarily. You can have eye pressure but not have glaucoma, or you might have glaucoma and no eye pressure! There are different types of glaucoma, and not all have eye pressure as a symptom. Your doctor will monitor the pressure in your eyes to watch and ensure you don’t develop glaucoma, which can happen to some people who suffer from high intraocular eye pressure.
Glaucoma can cause optic nerve damage and is, in fact, the leading cause of total vision loss or blindness in the world. So, you must get the treatment you need to control it if you do have this eye issue.
How Can I Reduce Intraocular Eye Pressure?
There are no cures for intraocular eye pressure, but your eye doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes to help manage it. Some medications can help but exercising more frequently and limiting alcohol consumption or quitting smoking are also good ways to help reduce the pressure in your eyes.
If your eye pressure is due to an underlying condition, your eye doctor may prescribe a treatment or medication that can help. Alternatively, they may have you talk to your primary care provider to help determine your best treatment steps, depending on your unique circumstances.
Can I Prevent Excessive Intraocular Eye Pressure?
As with many other health issues, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking if you are a smoker are all great ways to promote good eye health and maintain normal intraocular pressure. Always remember that the best care for your eyes is preventative care and have regular eye exams to get ahead of issues before they cause permanent problems.
Are You Concerned About High Intraocular Eye Pressure? Schedule an Eye Exam!
If you are exhibiting any signs of high eye pressure or have any other concerns about your eye health, it’s always best to schedule a visit with the eye care professionals. By having regular eye examinations, your doctor can ensure that you have normal intraocular pressure. Get in touch with us today to make an appointment!
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