Is My Dizziness Caused by High Eye Pressure? the Symptoms

Q: Is My Dizziness Caused by High Eye Pressure? the Symptoms

Hello Mr. <br>Su： Generally, elevated intraocular pressure does not cause symptoms such as dizziness when turning the head; it typically presents with symptoms like eye discomfort, headache, and nausea. <br>If the cause cannot be identified through an inner ear examination, it ma

Is this dizziness caused by high intraocular pressure? Thank you?

Hello, Doctor: I am 36 years old this year.
I have searched online for many cases of high intraocular pressure, but I haven't found any that match my situation.
I am worried that it might be caused by another underlying condition.
Here's what happened: when my symptoms first appeared, I would feel dizzy just by turning my head (not the spinning kind of dizziness), and I would also feel dizzy when looking at moving objects for a long time.
Initially, I thought it was an issue with my ear balance, so I went to an ENT specialist at a large hospital (I won't elaborate on that).
Afterward, I did some head-turning exercises, and surprisingly, the dizziness from turning my head and watching moving objects improved significantly, almost completely.
However, I still can't look down for long without feeling uncomfortable; as soon as I tilt my head back, the discomfort eases immediately.
I'm not sure if this is related to my work, where I often look down for extended periods, or if it has to do with napping with my head down during lunch (which I no longer do).
Later, I visited two or three general eye clinics, and the first few prescribed me eye drops for maintenance.
The last clinic diagnosed me with early-stage glaucoma and prescribed me medication to lower my intraocular pressure, which was somewhat high, around 23 mmHg.
After using the drops for over a month, I didn't notice much improvement and felt uneasy, so I went to the ophthalmology department of a large hospital.
The first doctor measured my intraocular pressure and found it to be around 18 mmHg.
I mentioned that I had taken some medication in the afternoon and explained my situation from the previous clinic.
After listening, he seemed concerned about a misdiagnosis and referred me to another specialist who focuses on glaucoma, advising me not to use the drops for now.
He asked me what the highest pressure measured at the other clinic was, and when I said around 23 mmHg, he mentioned that even if it exceeds the normal range, symptoms typically don't appear until it reaches 30-40 mmHg.
I then saw the second doctor, who also advised me not to use the drops and scheduled a visual field test for a month later.
I completed that test a few days ago, and he said my visual field is similar to that of a normal person, but my intraocular pressure was elevated: 23 mmHg in the left eye and 26 mmHg in the right.
However, I tend to get very nervous during the pressure tests, requiring four or five attempts, which might lead to some discrepancies.
I shared my dizziness symptoms with him, and he reiterated that symptoms usually don't occur until the pressure reaches 30-40 mmHg.
He prescribed me a once-daily pressure-lowering medication, and for now, I plan to use it for a month to see if it helps lower my pressure.
However, I am still puzzled about the origin of my dizziness symptoms.
Thank you, Doctor, for reading through my lengthy message.
My questions are: Is my dizziness caused by high intraocular pressure? Also, I have been swimming; will this wash away the eye drops? Thank you for your answers, Doctor.

Su Xiansheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/01/13

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Su: Generally, elevated intraocular pressure does not cause symptoms such as dizziness when turning the head; it typically presents with symptoms like eye discomfort, headache, and nausea.
If the cause cannot be identified through an inner ear examination, it may be advisable to consult a neurologist.
After applying the eye drops, you can swim after waiting for at least ten minutes.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2018/01/13

More Info

Your concerns about dizziness and high eye pressure are valid, especially considering your recent experiences with eye health. Let’s break down your situation and address your questions systematically.

Understanding Dizziness and Eye Pressure
Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, and while high eye pressure (ocular hypertension) is a concern, it is not typically associated with dizziness unless it reaches significantly high levels, such as in acute glaucoma. In your case, you mentioned that your eye pressure readings have been around 23 mmHg and 26 mmHg, which are elevated but not alarmingly high. Generally, symptoms like dizziness are more commonly linked to issues with the inner ear or vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.

Given that you have experienced dizziness primarily when turning your head or focusing on moving objects, it suggests that your symptoms might be more related to vestibular function rather than ocular pressure. The fact that you found relief from dizziness with head movements indicates that your inner ear may have been involved, possibly due to positional changes or muscle tension.

Eye Pressure and Symptoms
Regarding your eye pressure, it is important to note that elevated eye pressure does not always correlate with immediate symptoms. Many individuals with ocular hypertension do not experience symptoms until the pressure reaches much higher levels, often above 30 mmHg. Your eye care professionals have indicated that your visual field tests are normal, which is a positive sign that your optic nerve is likely not being affected at this time.

Addressing Your Concerns
1. Is your dizziness caused by high eye pressure?
- It is unlikely that your dizziness is directly caused by your eye pressure levels. As mentioned, dizziness is more often related to vestibular issues. However, if you continue to experience symptoms, it’s essential to keep your eye doctor informed.

2. Will swimming wash away your eye drops?
- Swimming should not wash away the eye drops if they are properly absorbed. However, it is advisable to wait at least 15-30 minutes after applying eye drops before swimming to ensure they have had enough time to take effect. Additionally, if you are swimming in chlorinated water, it may irritate your eyes, so consider wearing goggles.

3. Should you continue using the eye drops?
- Since your doctor has prescribed the drops to manage your eye pressure, it is crucial to follow their advice. If you have concerns about the effectiveness or side effects of the medication, discuss these with your eye care provider. They may adjust your treatment plan based on your response to the medication.

4. What to do about your dizziness?
- Since your dizziness improved with head movements, consider discussing vestibular rehabilitation exercises with your healthcare provider. These exercises can help improve balance and reduce dizziness. Additionally, ensure you are staying hydrated and managing any stress, as these can also contribute to dizziness.

Conclusion
In summary, while your elevated eye pressure is a concern that requires monitoring and treatment, it is unlikely to be the direct cause of your dizziness. Your symptoms may be more related to vestibular function or other factors. Continue to follow up with your eye care professionals, adhere to your prescribed treatment, and consider seeking further evaluation for your dizziness if it persists. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for both your eye health and overall well-being.

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