Your eyes are fascinating and complex organs that work tirelessly to help you see the world. One aspect of eye health often overlooked is eye pressure. Keeping an eye (pun intended!) on this aspect of your vision is key to preventing serious conditions that could harm your eyesight. But what exactly is eye pressure, and how does it affect you? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down.
What Is Eye Pressure?
Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), refers to the fluid pressure inside your eyes. This pressure helps your eyes keep their shape and function properly. Normally, your eyes maintain a balance by producing and draining fluid (called aqueous humor) at a steady rate. However, when something disrupts this balance, the pressure can become too high or too low, leading to potential problems.
This is why routine eye exams are so important. High eye pressure can sometimes go unnoticed without symptoms, making it even more crucial to stay proactive. Schedule an appointment with Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology today to ensure your eyes are healthy and your pressure is under control.
Causes of High Eye Pressure
High eye pressure can develop for a variety of reasons, and while it doesn’t always mean there’s a problem, it can increase the risk of certain eye conditions like glaucoma. Some common causes include:
- Poor drainage of fluid – When the drainage channels in your eye don’t work properly, fluid can build up, raising the pressure.
- Overproduction of fluid – If your eye produces too much aqueous humor, it can overwhelm the drainage system.
- Eye injuries – Trauma to the eye can disrupt the flow of fluid.
- Certain medications – Corticosteroids, especially if used over a long period, can elevate eye pressure.
- Underlying health conditions – Issues like high blood pressure or diabetes can sometimes affect your eye’s pressure as well.
Symptoms of High Eye Pressure
Here’s the tricky part about eye pressure—in many cases, it doesn’t come with obvious symptoms. You can have elevated eye pressure and not notice a thing. However, in cases where pressure rises significantly, you might experience symptoms such as:
- Blurry or poor eyesight
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Seeing halos or rainbows around lights
- Redness in the eyes
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Visit an eye care provider as soon as possible to get things checked out.
Risks of Ignoring Abnormal Eye Pressure
Unchecked high eye pressure can lead to serious complications. One of the most common is glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it develops slowly and can go unnoticed until significant vision is lost.
Low eye pressure, though less common, can also pose risks. If the eye doesn’t have enough pressure, it may lose its structural integrity, leading to vision problems.
Stay Ahead of Eye Pressure Issues
The good news? You can stay on top of your intraocular pressure with regular eye exams. These exams take just a few minutes and can provide valuable insights into your overall eye health. They allow your ophthalmologist to detect any changes early, preventing bigger problems down the road.
Your Eye Health Deserves the Best
Taking care of your eyes should never be an afterthought. Whether it’s monitoring eye pressure or addressing any other aspect of your vision, staying proactive is key to maintaining good eye health. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology today and put your mind at ease. Our team of experts will provide personalized care to keep your vision crystal clear for years to come. Don’t wait until problems arise—your eyes are worth it. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-718-367-2555 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/specialties/ophthalmology/.
