High eye pressure can affect anyone at any age, from children to seniors. It often has no symptoms, so you might not know you have it. That’s why understanding how to manage it is a key part of your overall health.
Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy eye pressure. There are several ways to help lower your eye pressure, from lifestyle changes to medical treatments. Regular check-ups with an eye doctor in Los Angeles are an important first step.
Lifestyle & Diet Adjustments for Eye Health
Simple changes in your daily routine can make a positive difference for your eyes. What you eat and how you move your body play a significant part in your overall wellness. This includes the pressure inside your eyes.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
A diet full of vitamins and nutrients supports eye function. Focusing on whole foods can provide the building blocks your eyes need to stay healthy.
We recommend including foods that are good for your eyes in your diet. Try adding some of these to your weekly meals:
- Dark leafy greens like spinach & kale
- Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon
- Citrus fruits for vitamin C
- Nuts for vitamin E
These foods contain antioxidants and important nutrients that support the delicate structures within your eye. Consistency is key, so aim to make these foods a regular part of your eating habits.
2. Exercise on a Regular Basis
Regular physical activity is another great way to support your vision health. Moderate exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or biking helps improve blood flow throughout your body. This improved circulation can contribute to healthier eye pressure, a key focus during adult and senior eye exams.
Find an activity you genuinely enjoy, as this makes it easier to stick with it. You don’t need to run a marathon—even 30 minutes of moderate activity most days can be beneficial. It’s all about creating a sustainable routine.
3. Sip Fluids & Limit Caffeine
Staying hydrated is important for your entire body, including your eyes. However, it’s helpful to drink water in moderate amounts throughout the day. Drinking very large quantities of any liquid in a short time may temporarily increase eye pressure.
It can also be a good idea to watch your caffeine intake. Beverages with a lot of caffeine, like coffee or energy drinks, may have a brief effect on eye pressure. Moderation is always a good approach for your eye health.
4. Avoid Activities that Raise High Eye Pressure
Certain activities and exercises may temporarily raise your eye pressure. It’s useful to be aware of movements that put pressure on your head and eyes. This awareness helps you make informed choices about your fitness routine.
For example, some yoga poses that place your head below your heart can raise eye pressure. Very strenuous weightlifting may also cause a temporary spike in pressure, especially if you hold your breath while lifting. You can discuss your exercise plan with your doctor to find a routine that works for you.
Daily Habits to Support Your Eyes
Beyond diet and exercise, a few small habits can help you manage your eye health from day to day. These simple adjustments can be easily incorporated into your existing routine. They provide ongoing support for your eyes.
5. Elevate Your Head During Sleep
A simple change to your sleeping position may help manage your eye pressure overnight. Using a wedge pillow or an extra pillow keeps your head slightly elevated. This position helps reduce the pressure inside your eyes compared to sleeping completely flat.
6. Practice Eye-Friendly Screen Habits
Many of us spend long hours in front of a computer, phone, or tablet, which can lead to digital eye strain. To give your eyes a needed break, you can try the 20-20-20 rule. It’s an easy-to-remember technique.
Here’s how it works—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Doing so relaxes the focusing muscles inside your eyes. It helps reduce the fatigue that comes from staring at a screen for too long.
Prescription Treatments for Eye Pressure
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough to manage eye pressure, your eye doctor may discuss other options. These treatments are designed to either reduce the amount of fluid your eye produces or improve how that fluid drains out.
7. Use Eye Drops as Directed
Prescription eye drops are a very common and effective way to manage high eye pressure. Your eye doctor can help determine which type of drop is appropriate for your needs.
There are several different types of medicated eye drops. Some common categories include:
- Prostaglandins
- Beta blockers
- Alpha-adrenergic agonists
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Each type of drop works differently to lower the pressure inside the eye. It’s important to use them exactly as prescribed to get the full benefit. Following your eye doctor’s instructions helps maintain a stable and healthy eye pressure.
8. Oral Medicines as an Option
In some situations, eye drops alone may not be sufficient. Your eye doctor might prescribe oral medicines to work alongside the drops. This combination approach can help bring eye pressure down to the desired level.
These medicines are typically used for a shorter term or when eye pressure is particularly high. They work systemically to reduce fluid production in the eye. As with any prescription, it’s important to take them as directed.
Laser Therapy & Surgical Procedures
For more persistent cases of high eye pressure, we might recommend surgical procedures. These are typically considered when other treatments have not achieved the target pressure. Your eye doctor can help you explore if these options are right for you.
9. Laser Therapy
A procedure called laser trabeculoplasty is a common option. It uses a small, focused beam of light to improve the drainage of fluid from your eye. The goal is to help your eye’s natural drainage system work more efficiently.
This is a quick procedure that is typically done right in your eye doctor’s office. It often reduces the need for or number of eye drops you use daily.
10. Filtering Surgery
In certain cases, we may suggest a procedure called a trabeculectomy. During this surgery, a surgeon creates a new drainage channel for fluid to leave the eye. This new opening helps relieve the pressure inside.
This is generally reserved for cases where eye drops and laser therapy have not been sufficient. It’s a more involved procedure, but it can be very effective at lowering eye pressure.
11. Drainage Tubes
Another surgical option involves placing a small tube, or shunt, into the eye. This device helps drain excess fluid from the eye’s interior. This lowers the pressure to a healthier level.
These drainage devices are often considered for more complex cases. They provide a continuous path for fluid to exit the eye. Your eye doctor can explain the details if this is a suitable option for you.
What About Sudden or Severe Symptoms?
It’s important to know that some conditions can cause a sudden and sharp increase in eye pressure. An example is acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is considered a medical emergency. In these cases, quick action is needed to protect your vision.
12. Address Sudden Changes Promptly
If you ever experience sudden, severe eye pain or an abrupt change in your vision, it is important to seek emergency eye care right away. Symptoms like seeing halos around lights or nausea accompanying eye pain also require prompt care.
This situation requires immediate attention to reduce the pressure quickly. Treatment may involve specific medicines or a laser procedure to relieve the pressure and prevent damage. Being aware of these signs helps you know when to act fast.
Protect Your Vision
Routine visits to your eye doctor are the foundation for monitoring your eye health and making any needed adjustments to your care plan.
At Total Vision Culver City, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your vision for years to come. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with us today.
