Elevated eye pressure is the leading cause of Glaucoma, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to vision loss or blindness.
Although Glaucoma can not be cured permanently, its progression can be slowed down by lowering eye pressure.
As a result, individuals often wonder how to lower eye pressure to prevent and treat Glaucoma.
Several medical treatments and lifestyle approaches can aid in lowering eye pressure.
This, in turn, can help in preventing your vision from further damage.
This article will highlight the most common ways to reduce eye pressure.
How to lower eye pressure with medical treatments
Depending on the underlying reason, there are several approaches to treat high eye pressure.
Medications, laser therapy, or surgery can aid in lowering eye pressure (intraocular pressure) and maintaining vision.
However, not all patients will respond to these therapies similarly.
Your doctor will decide a treatment strategy based on the types of Glaucoma you have, severity, rate of progression, and other aspects.
Know everything about eye pressure with our article: A Complete Guide on Eye Pressure
Medicines to lower eye pressure
The initial line of therapy for optic nerve injury caused by elevated eye pressure is usually eye drops.Â
To treat Glaucoma, medical professionals employ several types of Glaucoma eye drops.Â
They can promote the outflow of fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye or reduce its volume; some can even do both.Â
Sometimes, doctors recommend a mix of eye drops.Â
Prescription eye drops for Glaucoma include Alpha Adrenergic Agonists, Beta-blockers, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, Miotics, and Prostaglandin Analogs.
Alpha Adrenergic Agonists: Alpha Adrenergic Agonists like Apraclonidine and Epinephrine can reduce the production of aqueous humor along with increasing its outflow.
Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers, including Timolol and Metoprolol, can lower eye pressure.
They help restrict the formation of aqueous humor and lower the rate at which the fluid enters the eye.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAI), such as Dorzolamide and Brinzolamide, are eye drops that suppress the production of aqueous humor in the eyes.
Miotics: Miotics, also known as cholinergic agents, such as Chothiophate and Pilocarpine, induce the pupil to dilate significantly.
This further helps promote fluid outflow from the eye.
Prostaglandin Analogs: These eye drops act as a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels in your eyes.
This, in turn, lowers eye pressure by increasing the outflow of the fluid from the eyes.
Examples of Prostaglandin Analogs include Tafluprost ophthalmic solution, Latanoprost, and Bimatoprost.
Want to know more about Bimatoprost? Read our article: The Ultimate Guide to Bimatoprost Eye Drops
Oral medicines: If eye drops don’t relieve discomfort or elevated eye pressure, your doctor may prescribe oral Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, such as Acetazolamide and Methazolamide.
Explore more about low eye pressure with our article: Low Eye Pressure: Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Surgery for high eye pressure
Source: Elena SafonovaSurgery or laser therapy can be used as a last resort to treat high eye pressure issues by enhancing the evacuation of eye fluid and focusing on the tubes that carry aqueous humor.
Laser surgery is highly effective in treating Open-Angle Glaucoma, Angle-Closure Glaucoma, or Neovascular Glaucoma.Â
Laser trabeculoplasty is the most common type of surgery done to reduce elevated eye pressure.
The doctor points a laser at the iris, ciliary body, retina, and trabecular meshwork (the tissue that drains the aqueous fluid from the eye into the blood) to lower intraocular pressure.
Glaucoma cannot be treated but can be prevented with certain effective measures. Read our article: How to Prevent Glaucoma: Exploring Strategies for Healthy Eyes and preserve your eyesight.
How to lower eye pressure naturally
Along with medical treatments, several lifestyle approaches can also help in lowering eye pressure.
These include daily exercise, a healthy diet, herbal supplements, decreasing caffeine intake, and correct sleeping posture.
Exercise
It’s a good idea to start introducing low-impact exercise into your daily routine since it can assist in decreasing eye strain.
Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to be sure it’s safe for you.
Exercises that assist in reducing insulin levels in the body can help shield your eyes against increased eye pressure.
These include weight training, aerobics, running, brisk walking, and bicycling.
Head-down postures and workouts such as headstands.
Dietary modifications
Consume a nutritious diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins C, E, and A since they can all aid in protecting your vital optic nerve.
Studies show that excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to elevated intraocular pressure.
Hence it is advisable to limit your intake of caffeinated meals and beverages.
Reduce your intake of chocolate, energy drinks, tea, coffee, cola, and other caffeinated foods and beverages.
Certain herbal products, such as extract from bilberries, have been promoted as treatments for Glaucoma.
However, further research is required to demonstrate their efficacy.
Herbal supplements should not be used in place of proven treatments.
You can lessen excessive eye pressure while you sleep by placing your head on a wedge cushion or a stack of pillows at a 20-degree angle.
Wondering if cutting back your coffee intake will prevent Glaucoma? Read our article: Should I Stop Drinking Coffee if I Have Glaucoma? Understanding the Link to know more.
Conclusion
Glaucoma is a prevalent eye disease affecting people worldwide.
High eye pressure is the major cause of Glaucoma.
Glaucoma can cause vision loss if not managed on time.
Hence, it is essential to reduce eye pressure effectively.
But how to lower eye pressure?
Medical treatments, including eye drops, oral medications, and surgery, are most commonly employed to reduce eye pressure.
Besides this, lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can also aid in lowering eye pressure.Â
However, consulting a doctor is essential before adopting any measure for treating high eye pressure.
Understand how various food items can help lower eye pressure with our article: Discovering the Best Foods to Reduce Eye Pressure
Buy eye care products from GoodRxMedicine, a trusted solution for managing Glaucoma and improving your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lumify lower eye pressure?
No, Lumify does not lower eye pressure. It is an over-the-counter medicine mostly used to treat eye redness due to mild eye irritations.
There is no significant evidence to support the role of Lumify in lowering eye pressure.
Can Timolol eye drops lower blood pressure?
Yes, Timolol can lower blood pressure.
Timolol is a Beta-blocker used to reduce eye pressure.Â
However, excess use of the medication can lead to lower blood pressure.
How to reduce eye pressure naturally?
Consuming a balanced and healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals and exercising regularly can help you lower your eye pressure.
Also, smoking cessation and limiting caffeine intake are some natural ways to reduce eye pressure without medications.
Can drinking water lower eye pressure?
No, drinking water does not lower eye pressure. In contrast, drinking water quickly leads to an increase in eye pressure.
Does Aspirin lower eye pressure?
No, Aspirin does not have any significant impact on intraocular pressure.Â
A study found that Aspirin, also known as Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), does not clinically affect intraocular pressure variations.
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