Our eyes are one of the most complex and sensitive organs of our body.
Even small foreign substances like hair in the eyes can lead to irritation and discomfort.
So, have you ever wondered what would happen if the pressure in our eyes is changed?
Let us take a deep dive into the article and learn about eye pressure in detail.
We will learn about eye pressure, how to measure it, and tips to effectively manage eye pressure.
Understanding Eye Pressure
Eye pressure or Intraocular Pressure (IOP) is the measure of the fluid present inside the eyes.
Our eyes are filled with thin, water-like fluid known as aqueous humor and thick, jelly-like fluid known as vitreous humor.
To regulate the IOP naturally, the same amount of aqueous humor is released from the eyes through the drainage angle when our eyes create new aqueous humor.
An optimal IOP level is necessary for maintaining the shape of the eyeball and ensuring the proper functioning of the optic nerve.
However, due to certain factors, the flow of aqueous humor in the eyes might be affected, leading to a change in the pressure.
If the change in eye pressure is too high or too low, it might lead to vision problems and eye damage.
Therefore, it is advised to undergo regular eye examinations for the detection of the change in eye pressure.
If there is a change in your eye pressure, doctors may prescribe effective eye drops containing Bimatoprost and Latanoprost to manage the high eye pressure.
Although both of these eye drops are effective in managing high pressure, they are different from each other.
If you want to gather information on the differences between these two eye drops, read Latanoprost vs Bimatoprost: Choosing the Best Eyedrop for Glaucoma.
Normal Eye Pressure Range
Source: SimplefooAccording to the American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO), the normal eye pressure is 10-20 mmHg.
However, it is vital to note that this pressure is not constant and may vary in individuals.
Eye pressure can depend on factors such as age and overall health.
However, it should not reach the levels that might damage the eyes.
Several factors might affect the normal eye pressure range and lead to high or low eye pressure.
As we now have a better understanding of the normal eye pressure range, let’s learn about high and low eye pressure in detail.
High Eye Pressure
High eye pressure or Ocular Hypertension is caused when the pressure within the eyes is over the normal range.
The range of eye pressure in the case of Ocular Hypertension is above 21mmHg.
There are several factors that might increase the risk of Ocular Hypertension.
Family history, age, ethnicity, Stress, and eye injuries are some common factors that might increase the risk of high eye pressure.
Unlike any other eye medical condition, there are no signs and symptoms of Ocular Hypertension.
High eye pressure is also the most common cause of Glaucoma, an eye condition known to cause vision loss.
To get a comparison between Glaucoam and Ocular Hypertension, read Ocular Hypertension vs. Glaucoma- Understanding the Difference.
Therefore, it is essential to undergo eye examinations at regular intervals for the detection of high eye pressure.
The ophthalmologist will prescribe effective eye drops to lower the eye pressure and manage Ocular Hypertension.
To understand the relationship between Glaucoma and blindness, read Does Glaucoma Cause Blindness? Unveiling the Facts.
Low Eye Pressure
The condition of low eye pressure is also known as Ocular Hypotony.
In the case of Ocular Hypotony, the outflow of aqueous humor is higher than normal.
It causes the eye pressure to drop below the normal range of eye pressure, i.e., below 10mmHg.
Several factors, such as trauma and inflammation in the eye, history of ocular surgery, and certain medications, might cause the eye pressure to drop.
The noticeable signs and symptoms of Ocular Hypotony include blurry vision, eye pain, headaches, changes in vision, sensitivity to light, and eye redness.
It is advised to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the symptoms of low eye pressure.
Eye specialists can help to manage these symptoms safely and effectively.
How to Measure Eye Pressure
The pressure of the eye can be measured with the help of a licensed ophthalmologist.
It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
The measuring of the eye pressure is usually a painless procedure.
The primary procedure that is used to measure Intraocular Pressure is known as Tonometry.
In Tonometry, a device called a tonometer is used to touch the surface of the eye to measure its resistance to pressure.
It measures the pressure inside the eye by flattening the cornea.
The greater the force needed to flatten the cornea, the higher the pressure in the eye.
Apart from Tonometry, procedures such as Applanation Tonometry, Digital Tonometry, Rebound Tonometry, and Non-contact Tonometry are also used to measure eye pressure.
Visit your trusted eye doctor at regular intervals to accurately measure your eye pressure.
To get a better insight on eye pressure tests, read Decoding Eye Pressure Tests: A Visionary Insight.
Eye Pressure and Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group disease primarily caused due to increased Intraocular Pressure.
High eye pressure increases the risk of developing Glaucoma.
However, it is vital to note that individuals with normal eye pressure might also develop Glaucoma.
The risk of developing Glaucoma depends on the amount of pressure the optic nerve can withstand.
The complications of Glaucoma, vision loss, might be prevented if the Glaucoma treatment is received in time.
Eye drops such as Bimatoprost might help to manage Glaucoma symptoms by reducing the increased Intraocular Pressure.
If you want to know more about Glaucoma eye drops, read Everything You Need to Know About Glaucoma Eye Drops.
How to Manage Eye Pressure
There are several methods, such as medical treatments, supplements, and food, to manage eye pressure.
It is vital to contact a licensed opthalmologist for effective management.
They will prescribe effective treatment options based on your health condition and the severity of the eye condition.
Let us briefly examine these effective options to manage eye pressure.
Medical Treatments
Several treatment options might help to manage changes in eye pressure.
The most commonly prescribed treatment to manage eye pressure is eye drops.
Eye drops consisting of Bimatoprost and Latanoprost might help to reduce eye pressure and prevent eye damage.
Besides these eye drops, oral medications and laser therapy might also help lower eye pressure.
However, eye drops are the most effective treatment out of other treatment options to manage eye pressure.
But, in severe cases, these medications and laser therapy might be ineffective.
Doctors might recommend undergoing surgeries to manage eye pressure in such situations.
If you want to know more about the eye drops used for eye pressure, read Comprehensive Guide to Eye Drops for Eye Pressure Management.
Supplements and Foods
Source: pizeloit_Getty_imagesBesides medical treatments, several supplements might also help to manage eye pressure.
Vitamins A, C, D, and E might help to reduce increased Intraocular Pressure.
Foods like leafy vegetables and fatty fish are also known to lower eye pressure.
However, it is essential to note that, unlike medical treatments, these foods and supplements lack sufficient research on their usage for reducing eye pressure.
Therefore, it is important to visit your nearby eye doctor to manage eye pressure effectively.
To learn more about the foods for high eye pressure, read Foods to Reduce Eye Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthy Vision.
Lifestyle Modifications
Source: DOUGBERRY_from_Getty_ImagesAlthough poor lifestyle choices do not directly influence eye pressure, they might increase stress levels in individuals.
Increased stress levels are a known factor for high eye pressure.
Reducing the stress levels might help to manage the increased IOP.
Therefore, lifestyle modifications might reduce the risks of high eye pressure by lowering stress levels.
Regular exercise, stress management, a healthy diet, and limited alcohol and caffeine consumption are common examples of healthy lifestyle practices that might help manage eye pressure.
If you wish to learn more about how to lower eye pressure, read How to Lower Eye Pressure: Treating Glaucoma Effectively
Key Notes
Eye pressure is the measure of fluid, aqueous humor present in the eye.
It is also known as Intraocular Pressure or IOP.
The eye pressure range varies in individuals. However, the normal range of eye pressure is between 10-21mmHg.
An individual can experience a change in eye pressure due to the flow of aqueous humor.
For the accurate measurement of eye pressure, it is essential to contact a licensed eye specialist.
If the change is detected in eye pressure, they will prescribe effective treatment plans to bring the eye pressure to a normal level.
Medical treatments such as eye drops, oral medicines, laser therapy, and surgery might help to manage the change in eye pressure.
Besides these medical treatments, supplements, and lifestyle modifications might also help to bring the eye pressure to normal range.
Therefore, it is advised to undergo regular eye examinations for the detection of changes in eye pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test eye pressure at home?
No, you cannot measure eye pressure at home. Measuring eye pressure is a medical procedure and should be performed by a registered ophthalmologist. Measuring eye pressure at home might lead to severe eye damage.
What are the symptoms of high eye pressure?
Since high eye pressure is a silent condition, it does not exhibit any signs or symptoms.
It would be best to visit your eye doctor for regular eye checkups to detect the high eye pressure and prevent the risk of Glaucoma.
What is considered a normal range for eye pressure?
The normal range for eye pressure is between 10-20 mmHg. If your eye pressure is below 10 mmHg or above 20 mmHg, it would be best to seek immediate eye care from an authorized eye specialist to prevent the risk of any damage to the eye.
Are there any natural remedies or supplements to lower eye pressure?
Yes, several remedies and supplements such as regular exercising, intake of Vitamins A and E, and reduced stress might help to lower eye pressure.
However, they are ineffective in lowering eye pressure compared to the eye drops.
Therefore, it would be best to seek a medical professional for the prescription of eyedrops to manage eye pressure.
What causes low eye pressure?
There are several factors that might lead to low eye pressure or Ocular Hypotony. Eye surgery
trauma, certain medications, eye inflammation, and fluid leakage are some factors that might cause low eye pressure.
Visit a reputed ophthalmology clinic for the management of Ocular Hypotony.
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