Managing High Eye Pressure: Tips for Eye Care and Screen Time - Ophthalmology

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Managing high eye pressure is crucial, especially for individuals with a history of eye conditions such as high myopia or a family history of glaucoma. Here are some tips and considerations for eye care, particularly for those who spend significant time in front of screens.


Understanding High Eye Pressure
High eye pressure, or ocular hypertension, can be a risk factor for glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss if not managed properly. It’s important to monitor your eye pressure regularly, especially if you have a history of high readings. The fact that your eye pressure readings are slightly elevated (27 and 28 mmHg) suggests that you should be vigilant about your eye health. However, as your doctors indicated, the thickness of your cornea can influence these readings, and a thicker cornea can sometimes lead to falsely elevated pressure readings.


Medication and Follow-Up
Regarding your question about continuing your eye drops, it is essential to follow your doctor's advice. If your doctors have recommended stopping the medication and you are not experiencing any adverse symptoms, it may be wise to do so. However, if you notice any changes in your vision or discomfort, you should consult your eye care provider. Regular follow-ups are crucial; your doctor may want to reassess your eye pressure and overall eye health in the coming weeks.


Contact Lenses and Eye Pressure
As for wearing contact lenses, if you are experiencing discomfort or have high eye pressure, it may be advisable to take a break from wearing them. Contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate dryness or discomfort, especially if you are already experiencing symptoms related to eye strain or pressure. If you find that your eyes feel better without them, consider switching to glasses until your eye health stabilizes.


Managing Screen Time
Given your work requires prolonged screen time, it’s essential to implement strategies to reduce eye strain. Here are some effective tips:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

2. Adjust Your Workspace: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and about an arm's length away. Proper lighting can also reduce glare on your screen, which can contribute to eye strain.

3. Use Artificial Tears: If you experience dryness, consider using preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

4. Limit Screen Time: If possible, try to limit your screen time to less than three hours at a stretch. Incorporate regular breaks to give your eyes a rest.

5. Blink More Often: When staring at screens, people tend to blink less, which can lead to dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently.

6. Consider Blue Light Filters: Using blue light blocking glasses or screen filters can help reduce eye strain caused by prolonged exposure to screens.


Regular Eye Exams
It’s crucial to have regular eye exams, especially given your family history of eye diseases. Your eye doctor can monitor your eye pressure, assess your optic nerve health, and perform necessary tests to ensure that your eyes remain healthy. If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam recently, it may be beneficial to schedule one.


Conclusion
In summary, managing high eye pressure involves a combination of proper medication, regular monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments, particularly regarding screen time. Following your doctor's recommendations and incorporating eye care practices into your daily routine can help maintain your eye health and prevent complications. If you have any concerns or notice changes in your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider for further guidance.