Eye health is an important part of overall well-being, but many people do not think about checking their eye pressure. High or low eye pressure can lead to vision issues and sometimes serious conditions like glaucoma.
Understanding when to be concerned about your eye pressure and how to maintain healthy eyes is essential.
Let us explore what eye pressure is, why it matters, and how conditions related to eye pressure are treated.
What Is Eye Pressure
Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure, is the force exerted by the fluid inside your eye to maintain its shape. For most people, normal eye pressure ranges between 10 and 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). If eye pressure becomes much higher or lower, it can lead to vision loss over time.
While the right level of eye pressure varies from person to person, consistently high eye pressure is often associated with glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness if untreated.
Why Is Eye Pressure Important
Maintaining normal eye pressure is crucial because abnormal levels can harm the delicate structures in your eyes. If eye pressure is too high (a condition called ocular hypertension), it compresses the optic nerve and damages it over time.
Low eye pressure, though less common, can also cause issues. It may lead to blurry vision or indicate an underlying problem, such as trauma or complications from prior eye surgery.
Regular checkups with an ophthalmologist, including a detailed eye exam, can help identify and address any changes in your eye pressure.
Signs That You Should Check Your Eye Pressure
Detecting abnormal eye pressure on your own can be challenging, as most cases do not present noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, certain signs may indicate an issue that requires immediate attention from an eye doctor. These include the following.
- Blurred or tunnel vision: This could signal glaucoma or increased pressure affecting the optic nerve.
- Eye pain or discomfort: Persistent pain could indicate serious conditions like acute glaucoma.
- A sudden loss of peripheral vision: This may suggest damage to the optic nerve, often linked to high eye pressure.
- Seeing halos or rainbows around lights: A common symptom of glaucoma, especially if accompanied by cloudy vision.
- Frequent headaches: Pressure buildup in the eyes can sometimes cause recurring headaches.
- Redness in the eyes: This could be a warning sign of inflammation or other underlying eye health issues.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to schedule an eye exam with a specialist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can help prevent long-term damage or vision loss.
Eye Conditions Related to Abnormal Eye Pressure
The following are some eye conditions that can be related to abnormal eye pressure.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the most common condition linked to eye pressure. It occurs when high intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss. Advanced cases of glaucoma may require glaucoma laser surgery or medication to manage.
Types of glaucoma include open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly, and angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs suddenly and demands immediate glaucoma treatments.
Ocular Hypertension
This condition refers to higher-than-normal eye pressure without optic nerve damage or vision loss. However, untreated ocular hypertension can progress into glaucoma over time.
Regular monitoring and care are key, especially if you are at high risk.
Hypotony
This condition describes abnormally low eye pressure. It often results from eye trauma, surgery, or infections. If left untreated, hypotony can cause vision complications.
Risk Factors for Eye Pressure Issues
Eye pressure abnormalities can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- A family history of eye diseases, particularly glaucoma
- Advanced age (typically over age 40)
- Being of African-American, Hispanic, or Asian descent
- Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Long-term use of corticosteroids or other medications
- Past eye injuries or infections
If you fall into a high-risk group, it is even more important to visit a qualified ophthalmologist for an eye exam.
Diagnosing and Monitoring Eye Pressure
Eye pressure is measured through a painless procedure called tonometry. Your eye doctor may perform this test during a routine eye exam. It involves using a small device to measure the pressure inside your eye.
Other diagnostic tools that check the health of your eyes include the following.
- Visual field tests to monitor peripheral vision
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans to examine the optic nerve
- Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness
Consistent monitoring allows early detection and can help prevent serious vision problems like glaucoma.
Treatments for Abnormal Eye Pressure
Fortunately, several treatments are available to manage eye pressure and minimize its impact on your vision.
Medications
Eye drops, such as prostaglandin analogs (e.g., Xalatan), beta-blockers (e.g., Timoptic), or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., Trusopt), are common first steps in treating high eye pressure or glaucoma. These lower eye pressure by either reducing fluid production or increasing fluid drainage within the eye.
Glaucoma Laser Surgery
Laser treatments, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), are highly effective for patients with open-angle glaucoma. This procedure improves fluid drainage and lowers intraocular pressure.
Unlike traditional surgery, SLT is minimally invasive and typically requires no downtime.
Traditional Glaucoma Surgery
For advanced glaucoma cases or when laser surgery is not effective, traditional surgical options like trabeculectomy or tube shunt procedures may be necessary to alleviate eye pressure further.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple lifestyle changes can also help with glaucoma treatment. Drink fluids gradually, wear protective gear during activities, and avoid positions that place pressure on the eyes, such as lying face down for extended periods.
Eye Pressure in Miramar, FL
At Miramar Eye Institute, we are committed to safeguarding your vision. Whether you need routine eye exams or advanced glaucoma treatment in Miramar, our expert eye doctors are ready to help. Our board-certified eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eye and recommend the most suitable treatment option.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (954) 437-4316 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!