Eye Pressure: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Vision

Ever heard someone mention "eye pressure" and wondered what that’s all about? Simply put, eye pressure refers to the fluid pressure inside your eye, technically called intraocular pressure (IOP). It’s an important number because if it gets too high, it can cause damage to your optic nerve leading to vision problems, including glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

So why does eye pressure rise? Your eye naturally produces a fluid called aqueous humor that flows inside the eye and drains out through tiny channels. If the drainage system gets blocked or fluid builds up too much, the pressure inside the eye climbs. This buildup can happen gradually and often without symptoms, which is why regular eye checkups are key.

Who Should Be Concerned About Eye Pressure?

Anyone can have eye pressure issues, but people over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, or folks who have had eye injuries or surgeries are at higher risk. Even certain medications can affect eye pressure. Because high eye pressure usually doesn't cause discomfort, only an eye exam can catch it early.

Simple Steps to Keep Eye Pressure in Check

Want to keep your eye pressure healthy? Start by scheduling regular eye exams with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. They measure your eye pressure using a simple puff-of-air test or other methods. If you have high pressure but no optic nerve damage yet, your doctor will call it ocular hypertension and might recommend monitoring or medications that help lower pressure.

Lifestyle matters too. Exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can support eye health. Also, be careful with corticosteroid medications because prolonged use can raise eye pressure. If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean and never use unapproved drops. Protecting your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses during risky activities is another smart move.

High eye pressure isn't a problem you can feel or see coming, but with awareness and regular checkups, you can catch changes early. That way, you can prevent serious damage and keep your vision sharp for years to come.