How to Decrease Intraocular Pressure
Intraocular pressure is exerted by fluid within the eyeball and is normally between 10 and 21 millimeters of mercury. Excessive ocular pressure can lead to glaucoma, which can cause blindness. You can decrease intraocular pressure with a variety of natural and medical treatments.
- Obtain an eye examination to determine whether you have high intraocular pressure and its causes. Ocular hypertension is generally defined as ocular pressure that is normally above 21 millimeters of mercury. Pigmentary glaucoma is a genetic condition caused by high intraocular pressure.
- Drink small amounts of fluid during the day instead of drinking a large amount of fluid at once. Fluid intake can increase your intraocular pressure temporarily.
- Exercise to reduce your intraocular pressure. Avoid placing your head below the rest of your body because this can increase your intraocular pressure.
- Take medication prescribed by your doctor. This will typically include carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta blockers. You will generally take this medication as eye drops and progress to oral medication if the eye drops are ineffective. Take these oral medications after your largest meal of the day to prevent nausea. Take a banana with your medication to replace the potassium loss caused by these medications.
- Receive laser surgery if other treatments for high intraocular pressure are unsuccessful. Severe cases may require a surgeon to remove blockage of the drainage canals in the eye and is performed with a laser. This surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that can be completed in 15 minutes.