WHY EYE PRESSURE INCREASES

Eye pressure is the fluid pressure inside your eye. It is maintained by a balance between the production and drainage of fluid in the eye. When the production of fluid is greater than the drainage, eye pressure increases. This can lead to a condition called glaucoma, which can damage the optic nerve and cause blindness if left untreated.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to an increase in eye pressure, including:

Age:

• As we age, the lens of our eye becomes thicker and less flexible. This can make it more difficult for fluid to drain from the eye, leading to an increase in eye pressure.

Race:

• African Americans are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma compared to other races. This is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Medical conditions:

• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

Medications:

• Some medications, such as steroids and antidepressants, can cause an increase in eye pressure.

Eye injuries:

• Eye injuries can damage the drainage system of the eye, leading to an increase in eye pressure.

Symptoms of Increased Eye Pressure

Increased eye pressure often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. As the pressure increases, you may experience:

• Blurred vision
• Pain in the eye
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Redness of the eye
• Swelling of the cornea
• Loss of peripheral vision

Diagnosing Increased Eye Pressure

Increased eye pressure is diagnosed with a test called tonometry. This test measures the pressure inside your eye. Tonometry is usually performed during a routine eye exam.

Treating Increased Eye Pressure

The goal of treatment for increased eye pressure is to lower the pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include:

• Medication: Eye drops or pills can be used to lower eye pressure.
• Laser therapy: Laser therapy can be used to create a new drainage pathway for fluid in the eye.
• Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to lower eye pressure if other treatments are not effective.

Preventing Increased Eye Pressure

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent increased eye pressure, including:

• Get regular eye exams. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can help prevent the development of glaucoma.
• Control your blood pressure and diabetes. High blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors for glaucoma.
• Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can increase eye pressure in some people.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Wear protective eyewear. Wearing protective eyewear can help protect your eyes from injuries that could lead to increased eye pressure.

Conclusion:
Increased eye pressure is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. If you have any of the symptoms of increased eye pressure, see your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.

FAQs:

1. What is the normal range of eye pressure?
The normal range of eye pressure is 10 to 21 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

2. What are the risk factors for increased eye pressure?
Risk factors for increased eye pressure include age, race, medical conditions, medications, eye injuries, and family history of glaucoma.

3. How is increased eye pressure diagnosed?
Increased eye pressure is diagnosed with a test called tonometry. This test measures the pressure inside your eye.

4. How is increased eye pressure treated?
Treatment options for increased eye pressure include medication, laser therapy, and surgery.

5. How can I prevent increased eye pressure?
You can help prevent increased eye pressure by getting regular eye exams, controlling your blood pressure and diabetes, limiting your caffeine intake, avoiding smoking, and wearing protective eyewear.