How to Lower Eye Pressure

With age comes a multitude of changes in the body. The eyes that once saw perfectly may now have difficulty seeing things clearly. Often times, a condition known as glaucoma may develop which can slowly reduce vision. Glaucoma often causes elevated eye pressure to be present, which if not treated, may lead to permanent damage. Treatment for lowering eye pressure is important for maintaining good vision and to reduce the possibility of sight loss.

• Schedule an eye exam with an eye doctor. An eye doctor can thoroughly examine the eyes and test for elevated eye pressure. This is done by using a machine that blows a puff of air into each eye to measure the exact eye pressure. The doctor should be informed of any changes that have been noticed in the eyes. If glaucoma, hypertension or other conditions are present, the doctor might prescribe eye drops for the patient to use daily.


• Check back with the eye doctor to see if the prescribed eye drops are working. If not, the doctor may prescribe beta blockers to help reduce the pressure in the eyes. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may also be used as a means to lower eye pressure.


• Eating and drinking properly can also help to lower pressure in the eyes. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are seen as beneficial for many health reasons. Drinking more water, in small amounts throughout the day, can make a difference as well. Large amounts of fluids that are consumed at one time may actually increase pressure. Eliminate caffeine, as this is know to increase eye pressure.


• Exercise regularly. When the heart rate is increased by about twenty-five percent, eye pressure naturally lowers itself. Aerobic or isokinetic exercises are good choices. Studies have shown that walking or riding a stationary bike four times a week for forty minutes have done wonders for lowering eye pressure and often eliminate the need for using beta blockers. However, if exercise is not done for a two-week period, the benefits will go away and the pressure may again rise. Doing yoga or body inversion exercises may be harmful to a person with glaucoma, since they put pressure on the eyes with certain movements. Consult with your doctor if this is the exercise of choice.


• Take medications as prescribed. It is important to keep taking any prescribed medications along with exercising and dieting, unless the eye doctor makes changes in them.


• Consult with the eye doctor about the possibility of having laser eye surgery to remove eye fluid. This procedure will lower eye pressure, but it may lower it too much. If this happens, medications are available to help maintain the correct level. This form of treatment is usually done only when other options have not worked after three or four months.