Were you diagnosed with Glaucoma recently? Or did the doctor notice changes in your eye pressure?
If yes, you might be at risk of changes in vision or vision loss due to Intraocular Pressure (IOP), commonly known as high eye pressure.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can affect your vision due to high pressure in the eye. If left untreated, it can also lead to permanent blindness.
This makes it extremely important to lower eye pressure to prevent vision changes or loss. But how?
This article will attempt to answer your question: How to lower eye pressure?
How to Lower Eye Pressure
Treating Glaucoma by lowering eye pressure can prevent further vision changes or loss.
Lowering eye pressure is a gradual process that may involve the use of eye drops and oral medications. A healthy diet and exercise may also promote lower IOP.
However, if the eye pressure is excessively high or medical treatment proves ineffective, a person may need surgery. Let us discuss these ways to lower eye pressure in detail.
To understand the relationship between Glaucoma and blindness, read Does Glaucoma Cause Blindness? Unveiling the Facts.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment to lower eye pressure generally involves the use of eye drops.
Eye drops are mostly the primary treatment for Glaucoma that work by reducing IOP. Glaucoma eye drops like Bimatoprost and Dorzolamide are known to reduce IOP effectively.
One drop per eye should typically be used in a day or as the doctor recommends.
To learn more about eye drops for eye pressure, read Comprehensive Guide to Eye Drops for Eye Pressure Management.
Healthy Diet
Source: Chinnapong_Getty_ImagesA 2018 research paper suggests that a person’s diet can impact IOP and the incidence or progression of Glaucoma.
Glaucoma patients are advised to maintain a healthy weight and avoid too much consumption of coffee. They should also increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.
However, it is important to remember that a healthy diet can only complement standard Glaucoma treatments. But it cannot be used as a stand-alone treatment for Glaucoma.
Read this article to learn more about the effects of coffee on Glaucoma: Should I Stop Drinking Coffee if I Have Glaucoma? Learning the Facts
Exercise
Increased IOP is a key risk factor for Glaucoma; exercise can help lower this eye pressure.
2016 research says that people who exercise have a lower prevalence of Glaucoma. This is because there is a reduction in IOP after exercise.
Generally, a single exercise session can lower eye pressure for a few minutes. However, regular exercise can possibly lower IOP for a longer period.
A simple brisk walk for about half an hour can help lower eye pressure naturally.
It is essential to remember that exercise cannot replace medical treatment for Glaucoma. It can improve the efficacy of existing treatments or help prevent Glaucoma.
To learn more about how to prevent Glaucoma, read How to Prevent Glaucoma? Effective Ways to Prevent Vision Loss.
Surgery
Source: PixelshotSurgery may be required in cases where the eye pressure is excessively high or other treatment methods prove ineffective.
Surgical interventions for Glaucoma include laser therapy such as laser trabeculoplasty, laser cyclophotocoagulation, and laser iridotomy.
Laser trabeculoplasty improves fluid drainage from the eye to lower eye pressure.
Other surgeries for Glaucoma include trabeculectomy, which also improves the drainage of fluid from the eye to lower eye pressure.
Summing Up
People with high eye pressure are at an increased risk of developing Glaucoma. It is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision changes or loss.
In some cases, Glaucoma may cause blindness if not treated.
This makes it important to lower eye pressure to prevent the incidence or reduce Glaucoma symptoms. But how to lower eye pressure?
A healthy diet and exercise promote eye health and lower IOP. They can prevent the incidence or progression of Glaucoma by managing the eye pressure.
However, a healthy diet and exercise cannot replace standard treatments to lower eye pressure.
Standard treatments to lower eye pressure can include eye drops or surgical interventions like laser therapy.
Surgery for Glaucoma generally improves fluid drainage from the eye to lower eye pressure. Eye drops like Dorzolamide also treat Glaucoma by reducing eye pressure.
Dorzolamide and Bimatoprost are commonly used eye drops known to reduce eye pressure effectively. Consult an eye care specialist before using any eye drops or if you notice changes in your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to lower eye pressure naturally?
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and manging stress can naturally lower eye pressure. However, consulting an eye doctor for personalized advice is advisable.
Is surgery the only option for severe cases of Glaucoma?
No, other options to treat severe cases of Glaucoma include medications and laser therapy.
Your doctor will determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your condition.
Can I prevent Glaucoma by lowering my eye pressure?
Lowering eye pressure can help manage Glaucoma but may not prevent the condition. Regular check-ups and early treatment are essential.
How often should I have my eye pressure checked?
The frequency of eye checkups required varies from person to person.
Generally, individuals at risk for high eye pressure or Glaucoma should have regular eye exams, as recommended by their eye specialist.
Are there any side effects of eye drops for lowering eye pressure?
Yes, eye drops may have side effects, including stinging, redness, or changes in eye color. Discuss potential side effects with your ophthalmologist before using eye drops.
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