High eye pressure (ocular hypertension) is common and often has no pain—but it can quietly damage the optic nerve and raise your risk of glaucoma. If a test shows your pressure is high, don’t panic. You have options: monitoring, medicine, or procedures. What matters is acting early and understanding your next steps.
Pressure rises when the eye’s fluid (aqueous humor) doesn’t drain well. Age, family history, certain medications (like steroids), previous eye injury, and conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can raise risk. Most people feel nothing; there’s no sharp pain or sudden sign. That’s why regular eye exams matter—only a tonometer test catches it reliably.
Sometimes you might notice subtle changes: blurry vision, halos around lights, or headaches. If you have sudden severe eye pain, nausea, or vision loss, that could be an emergency called acute angle-closure glaucoma—get immediate care.
Your eye doctor will measure pressure, check the optic nerve, and often do a visual field test. They may also use OCT (optical coherence tomography) to look for early nerve damage. If pressure is high but the nerve looks healthy, they might recommend watchful waiting with frequent checkups.
Most treatments start with eye drops that either reduce fluid production or improve drainage. Common classes include prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Side effects are usually mild—red eyes, stinging, or a change in eyelash growth—but tell your doctor if you have breathing or heart issues, since some drops can affect them.
If drops aren’t enough or aren’t tolerated, laser treatment (like SLT) can help by improving outflow. Surgical options are another step when needed. Your doctor will match the approach to your risk level and lifestyle.
Daily habits matter too. Stay active—regular moderate exercise can lower pressure. Avoid heavy coughing or straining and be careful with head-down yoga poses if you already have high pressure. Limit caffeine a bit, and stop smoking. If you take steroid pills or use steroid eye drops for another condition, ask your doctor about alternatives or closer monitoring.
Keep a record of your meds and eye test results. Bring questions to appointments: how high is my risk of glaucoma, how often should I test, what are the side effects of recommended drops? If you notice vision changes between visits, contact your eye care professional right away.
High eye pressure isn’t an automatic sentence to vision loss. With the right tests, a treatment plan, and simple daily choices, you can protect your sight and avoid surprises. Schedule regular eye exams and stay proactive—your eyes will thank you.
