If a doctor tells you your eye pressure is high but you have no vision loss, they’re probably talking about ocular hypertension. It’s basically a warning sign – the fluid inside your eye pushes harder against the optic nerve, raising the risk of glaucoma later on. The good news? You can keep that risk low with regular check‑ups and simple lifestyle tweaks.
Most people don’t feel any symptoms, which is why routine eye exams are key. During an exam, the optometrist measures intraocular pressure (IOP) using a tonometer. If the reading is above 21 mmHg, they’ll likely label it ocular hypertension and start monitoring you more closely.
The first step is the IOP test. The doctor might also look at your optic nerve with a special camera or perform a visual field test to make sure there’s no hidden damage. They’ll ask about family history, because glaucoma runs in families, and check for other risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Sometimes the doctor will repeat the pressure test on different days. Pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, so a single high reading isn’t enough to make a final call. If multiple readings stay high, they’ll keep you on a monitoring schedule – usually every six months.
Medication is the most common way to bring pressure down. Eye‑drop medicines such as prostaglandin analogues or beta‑blockers are prescribed daily and work by improving fluid outflow or reducing its production. Talk to your doctor about side effects; many people adjust within a week.
Beyond drops, lifestyle changes help too. Regular aerobic exercise (like brisk walking) can lower IOP by a few points. Eating foods rich in omega‑3 fatty acids – fish, walnuts, flaxseed – supports overall eye health. Cutting back on caffeine and avoiding smoking also make a difference.
If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean and replace them as advised. Dirty lenses can irritate the eye and raise pressure temporarily. And don’t forget to protect your eyes from bright sunlight; UV exposure may contribute to long‑term damage.
When medication isn’t enough, laser therapy offers an alternative. A quick laser procedure creates tiny openings in the drainage system, helping fluid escape more easily. It’s painless and usually done outpatient, but you’ll still need drops afterward for a short period.
The bottom line is that ocular hypertension is manageable. By staying on top of eye exams, following your doctor’s treatment plan, and making small daily tweaks, you can keep the pressure down and lower the chance of developing glaucoma.
Aug, 24 2025
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