What is the treatment for high eye pressure and what are its common symptoms, High eye pressure is a condition where the pressure of the fluid inside the eye exceeds the normal range of 10-21 mmHg. This occurs due to an imbalance in the production and drainage of this fluid.
If left untreated, it can damage the optic nerve and cause symptoms such as redness, pain in the eyes and head, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights.
In advanced cases, if not treated and detected early, it can lead to vision loss. It is usually detected through routine eye exams and treated with eye drops prescribed by a doctor or surgery.
Symptoms of High Eye Pressure
Usually, the symptoms of high eye pressure may be subtle and may not show any signs of the condition. However, they include:
- Pain and a feeling of heaviness in the affected eye.
- Visible redness in the white of the eye.
- The appearance of black spots in the field of vision.
- Visually blurred vision.
- Seeing rainbow colors when looking at lights.
- Narrowing of the field of vision. Persistent headaches.
What are the causes of high eye pressure
High eye pressure occurs due to an imbalance in the production and drainage of fluid within the eye, or a slow or weak drainage process. This leads to an accumulation and increased pressure on the optic nerve beyond normal levels. One of the main causes is a blockage of the drainage channels.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, the use of certain medications containing steroids (used to treat asthma), aging, and genetic factors can all contribute to high eye pressure.
Treatment for High Eye Pressure
Treatment for high eye pressure depends on the patient's condition. The doctor will develop a treatment plan tailored to the individual case, which may include prescribing eye drops to lower the pressure.
In some cases that do not respond to medication, the treating physician may resort to surgery or laser treatment. The effects of laser surgery last from 1 to 5 years at least and often require repeat treatment.
Medications that treat high eye pressure:
Timogel eye drops.
Apixol eye drops. Cidamex tablets.
Duotrav eye drops.
Ganfort eye drops.
Ioprost eye drops.
How is high eye pressure diagnosed?
High eye pressure is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, including the following tests ordered by the treating physician:
- Measuring eye pressure using a tonometer.
- Visual field testing and assessment of peripheral vision.
- Corneral slit examination.
- Visual acuity testing.
- Optical contact tomography (OCT).
Complications of high eye pressure
High eye pressure can lead to the following complications:
- Gradual damage to the optic nerve.
- It is a risk factor for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.
- As the optic nerve deteriorates, blind spots begin to appear in the field of vision, leading to gradual vision loss.
- Corneal edema, which is a loss of corneal transparency.
- Changes in vision and blurred vision.
Ways to Prevent High Eye Pressure
High eye pressure can be prevented through:
- Regular eye exams, especially after age 40 or if there is a family history of high eye pressure.
- Monitoring by an ophthalmologist who tracks eye pressure.
- Avoiding smoking, as it increases the risk of eye diseases.
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Limiting caffeine and saturated fat intake, as these can affect eye pressure.
- Avoiding stress.
Is High Eye Pressure the Same as Glaucoma
Although there is a link between high eye pressure and glaucoma, there is a difference between them. High eye pressure does not necessarily cause damage to the optic nerve or vision loss.
However, glaucoma causes high eye pressure, damage to the optic nerve, and gradual vision loss. Over time, this can lead to blindness. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss.
Article Summary
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) occurs when fluid inside the eye accumulates and fails to drain properly, causing it to build up and rise above 21 mmHg without any symptoms.
If left untreated, IOP can damage the optic nerve and cause symptoms such as persistent headaches, eye and head pain, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights.