Eye pressure can affect not only older people but also young and middle-aged people. Risk factors include family history, high blood pressure, diabetes and eye injuries. However, these risk factors can be controlled with regular eye examinations and healthy lifestyle choices. Eye pressure usually does not manifest itself with symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are vital.
What causes eye pressure?
Ocular hypertension, also known as glaucoma, is a condition that occurs as a result of an imbalance in the production or drainage of fluid within the eye. This imbalance causes intraocular pressure to rise. Increased intraocular pressure can also damage the optic nerve, leading to blindness. Although the exact cause of eye pressure is unknown, some factors can cause eye pressure:
- Glaucoma is a disease that is transmitted in families. People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Glaucoma usually occurs over the age of 40.
- Myopic people have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Hyperopic people also have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma.
- High blood pressure increases the risk of glaucoma.
- Corneal thickness can affect intraocular pressure. People with low corneal thickness have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma.
- Eye inflammation can lead to glaucoma.
Glaucoma is usually an asymptomatic disease. Therefore, it is important to have regular eye examinations. If glaucoma is diagnosed early, vision loss can be prevented or delayed with treatment.
In the early stages of eye pressure, there are often no symptoms, and therefore it is important to have regular eye examinations. Symptoms may appear in the later stages of eye hypertension. Symptoms of eye pressure that may occur in later stages are:
- Eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to blurred vision. This blurriness may be especially noticeable at night.
- Eye pressure can cause colored halos to appear around lights. These halos can be especially noticeable in dim light.
- Eye pressure can cause eye pain. This pain is usually sudden and severe.
- Eye pressure can cause eye redness.
- Eye pressure can cause a feeling of fullness in the eye.
Narrow-angle glaucoma, one of the types of glaucoma, is a type of glaucoma that progresses faster and can cause more severe symptoms. Symptoms of narrow-angle glaucoma include:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma can cause sudden, severe eye pain. This pain usually occurs in one eye.
- It can lead to rapid vision loss.
- It may cause nausea and vomiting.
What is good for eye pressure?
Eye hypertension (glaucoma) is a condition that, when diagnosed by a healthcare professional, usually needs to be managed by a specialist ophthalmologist. However, some lifestyle changes and natural methods can support overall eye health. However, you should always consult a doctor before following these recommendations. Some general suggestions that can help relieve eye pressure can be listed as follows:
- Antioxidants may support eye health. Colorful vegetables and fruits contain especially vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, which are important for eye health.
- Regular exercise can improve overall health and lower eye pressure. Exercise can increase blood circulation, which can contribute positively to eye health.
- Some eye exercises that strengthen eye muscles and increase flexibility can support eye health. However, before doing these exercises, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
- Problems such as eye pressure usually do not show symptoms, so regular eye examinations are important. Early diagnosis can increase treatment possibilities.
- Stress can affect eye pressure. Relaxing activities, meditation or deep breathing exercises can help you cope with stress.
- Drinking enough water can have a positive impact on overall health. It is also important for the eyes to be well hydrated.
- High-salt diets can increase blood pressure and therefore affect eye pressure. It may be important to limit salt consumption.