If you are suffering from eye pressure, the problem could be ocular hypertension or glaucoma, which is a common ailment in adults over 40. Glaucoma is caused by intraocular pressure in the eye, resulting in very slow vision loss, while ocular hypertension refers to any time the intraocular pressure is above normal. Eye pressure can be measured in an eye doctor's office---a small puff of air is shot onto the surface of the eye and the indentation the air makes is noted.

See your doctor. If your doctor determines you have glaucoma or ocular hypertension, you have eye pressure. Your doctor will probably first prescribe eye drops, such as beta blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, to reduce eye pressure.

Take oral prescription medications. If eye pressure does not go down with the prescribed eye drops, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral medication, like a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Take these pills with a meal and a large glass of water. One side effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is potassium loss, so eat plenty of bananas while taking this medication.

Sip fluids throughout the day. Sipping small amounts of fluids constantly throughout the day will keep eye pressure from increasing too much. If you drink large amounts of water at a time, eye pressure will temporarily increase.

Consider laser surgery. Your doctor will recommend laser surgery if the above options have not worked for you. Laser surgery only takes about 15 minutes and involves the unblocking of drainage canals in the eye to reduce aqueous humor pressure. You can usually return to work the same day.

Exercise---unless you have been diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma, a disorder that is passed down genetically. If you suffer with pigmentary glaucoma, avoid touching your toes or putting your head down in yoga positions. If you have any other type of eye pressure, however, regular exercise will help reduce the pressure.

Tip

  • Try to stay calm, as stress can trigger eye pressure.

Tip

  • If you are having trouble seeing, contact your eye doctor immediately.

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