What Causes High Eye Pressure and How to Reduce It- Quick Guide

3 Minute Read

High eye pressure occurs when the fluid builds up in your eye and causes increased  eye pressure.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce high eye pressure, there are self-care strategies you can implement at home. Learning about these methods can empower you to protect your Vision and Quality of Life

Key Takeaways

  • High eye pressure can lead to Vision Loss.
  • Lifestyle changes can help manage and reduce eye pressure.
  • Knowing your Risk Factors is crucial for sion.
  • A new well-tolerated eye drop can be used at home to help Reduce Inflammation and Eye Pressure at Home and lower your risks.

Risk Factors For Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma Risk Factors

What Causes of High Eye Pressure

What Causes Ocular Hypertension

High eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), can occur for several reasons. Understanding these causes is important for eye health.

1. Fluid Drainage Issues
Your eyes produce a fluid called aqueous humour. If this fluid cannot drain properly, pressure builds up in the eye. This is often due to a problem with the eye’s drainage system.

2. Eye Conditions 

High Myopia and Open Angle Glaucoma are high risks for increased eye pressure.

Glaucoma is the result of  high pressure, when damage occurs to the optic nerve,  caused by increased IOP- meaning Intraocular Pressure.

3. Eye Diseases like Uveitis where Steroids are Being Used increases your risk of a type of Glaucoma called Uveitic Glaucoma. Steroid Induced Glaucoma a form of Glaucoma that is one of the leading causes of what experts consider preventable blindness.

Uveitis Glaucoma and Blindness

4. Age
As you get older, your risk of high eye pressure increases. Changes in the eye’s structure make it harder for fluid to drain.

Adults over 40 are more likely to experience increased eye pressure.

Children have a strong steroid response and are at High Risk for Glaucoma.

5. Family History
If someone in your family has had high eye pressure or glaucoma, you may be at greater risk of Glaucoma. Some people are born with higher than normal eye pressure.

6. Medical Conditions
Conditions such as Diabetes or High Blood Pressure or Hypertension can contribute to higher eye pressure. Managing these health issues can help maintain eye pressure levels.

People with Connective Tissue Disorders are at High Risk of responding to Steroids with pressure in the eye.

7. Medications
Some medicines, especially Oral Steroids and Steroid Eye Drops, can increase eye pressure.

Steroid Induced Glaucoma

8. Genetics

Genetic factors can play a role and some people are prone to develop Glaucoma. In some individuals even small increases in eye pressure can cause Glaucoma.

9. Lifestyle Factors
Factors like smoking, lack of exercise, or a poor diet can increase pressure in your fluence eye.

10. Eye Injuries and Previous Eye Surgery

Injuries inside the eye or surgeries can affect fluid drainage and lead to Glaucoma. This can increase the pressure inside your eyes and damage to the Optic Nerve..

Identifying the cause of your ocular hypertension is important. Regular eye exams can help monitor your eye health and pressure levels.

11. Eye Anatomy
The structure of your eye also matters. The drainage angle can affect how well fluid exits the eye.

12. Lifestyle Factors
Diet, exercise, and sleep all impact eye health. A poor diet with inflammatory foods, smoking or lack of exercise might contribute to higher IOP.

Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring your eye pressure and ensuring early detection of any issues. Keeping track of these factors can help you take control of your eye health.

13. Some Ethnic Groups Are At Higher Risk to Get Glaucoma

People of African, Latino, or Asian descent have a greater chance of glaucoma.

Ocular Hypertension Treatment Self-Care At Home

Managing high eye pressure at home is possible with some effective self-care strategies.

OcuSolve Eye Drops can be a huge advantage to people who want to reduce their eye pressure naturally without having to rely on someone to prescribe eye drops.

These drops are well-tolerated and reduce the risks associated with Steroid Eye Drops.

Reduce Eye Pressure At Home

How To Reduce & Treat High Eye Pressure

To reduce high eye pressure, start by monitoring your diet. Aim to eat green leafy vegetables, fruits, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. An anti-inflammatory diet can help you reduce overall inflammation and repair immune function.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses. This keeps your body functioning well, including your eyes.

Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can increase eye pressure.

Regular exercise is also beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Activities like walking or swimming can improve circulation and lower eye pressure.

Moderate excercise, Breathing Techniques, Yoga or Mditation to relax your mind and body help, as stress reduction can positively impact your eye pressure levels.

REFERENCES

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2. Jones III R, Rhee DJ. Corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma: A brief review and update of the literature. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2006;17-163.

3. Ohji M, Kinoshita S, Ohmi E, et al. Marked intraocular pressure to instillation of corticosteroids in children. Am J Ophthalmol 1991;112:450–454.

4. Kaur S, Dhiman I, Kaushik S, Raj S, Pandav SS. Outcome of ocular steroid hypertensive response in children. J Glaucoma 2016;25:4:343-347.

5. Valenzuela CV, et al. Intranasal corticosteroids do not lead to ocular changes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Laryngoscope 2019:129;6-12.

6. Desnoeck M, Casteels I, Casteels K. Intraocular pressure elevation in a child due to the use of inhalation steroids—A case report. Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol 2001;280:97–100.

7. Ritch R, Shields MB, Krupin T. The Glaucomas: Basic Sciences, 2nd ed. Mosby-Year. 1996. 

8. Korenfeld MS, Silverstein SM, Cooke DL, Vogel R, Crockett RS; Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Durezol) Study Group. Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% for postoperative inflammation and pain. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2009;35:1:26-34.

9. Smith S, Lorenz D, Peace J, McLeod K, Crockett RS, Vogel R. Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Durezol) administered two times daily for managing ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. Clin Ophthalmol 2010;4:983-991. 

10. Kornmann HL, Gedde SJ. Glaucoma management after corneal transplantation surgeries. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2016;27:2:132-139.

11. Price MO, Price DA, Price FW Jr. Long-term risk of steroid-induced ocular hypertension/glaucoma with topical prednisolone acetate 1% after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty. Cornea 2023. Published ahead of print, June 7.

12. Chew EY, Glassman AR, Beck RW, et al. Ocular side effects associated with peribulbar injections of triamcinolone acetonide for diabetic macular edema. Retina 2011;31:2:284-289.

13. McGhee CN, Dean S, Danesh-Meyer H. Locally administered ocular corticosteroids: benefits and risks. Drug Saf 2002;25:1:33-55. 

14. Sen HN, Vitale S, Gangaputra SS, Nussenblatt RB, Liesegang TL, Levy-Clarke GA, Rosenbaum JT, Suhler EB, Thorne JE, Foster CS, Jabs DA, Kempen JH. Periocular corticosteroid injections in uveitis: Effects and complications. Ophthalmology 2014;121:11:2275-86.

author avatar
Bernandine Johnstone CEO and Medical Device Team Leader
Bernadine is an accomplished entrepreneur and medical device developer with over 20 years of experience in biotech. Diagnosed with uveitis in 1998 and in steroid-free remission since 2008. Passionate about natural healing, Bernadine is dedicated to empowering others to help them navigate their health challenges.