Persistently High Eye Pressure: Causes and Solutions - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for your question regarding persistently high eye pressure. It's understandable to feel concerned about your eye health, especially when you've been experiencing elevated eye pressure over the past few years. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions for your situation.


Understanding High Eye Pressure
1. What is Eye Pressure?
Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal eye pressure typically ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg, but this can vary based on individual factors.

2. Causes of High Eye Pressure:
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to higher eye pressure. If your family has a history of glaucoma or high eye pressure, this could be a contributing factor.

- Eye Conditions: Conditions such as glaucoma can lead to increased eye pressure. However, since your visual field tests and optic nerve assessments have been normal, this may not be the case for you.

- Medications: Certain medications, including corticosteroids, can increase eye pressure. If you are using any such medications, it might be worth discussing with your doctor.

- Eye Anatomy: Variations in the anatomy of the eye, such as corneal thickness or the drainage angle of the eye, can affect how fluid drains from the eye, potentially leading to higher pressure.

3. Symptoms of High Eye Pressure:
Many people with elevated eye pressure do not experience symptoms. However, some may report discomfort, headaches, or visual disturbances. It's important to monitor these symptoms and discuss them with your eye care professional.


Solutions and Management
1. Regular Monitoring:
Since you have consistently high eye pressure readings, regular monitoring is crucial. This includes periodic checks of your IOP, visual fields, and optic nerve health. Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits to ensure that any changes are caught early.

2. Medications:
You mentioned using B12 and Ning Shuo Tong eye drops. While these may help with certain symptoms, they may not directly address high eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe specific eye drops designed to lower IOP, such as prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers. It's essential to follow your doctor's recommendations regarding medication.

3. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet and Hydration: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and staying hydrated can support overall eye health.

- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower eye pressure. Activities like walking or swimming are beneficial.

- Eye Rest: If you spend long hours on screens, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

4. Surgical Options:
If medications are not effective in controlling your eye pressure, surgical options may be considered. Procedures such as laser therapy or other surgical interventions can help improve fluid drainage from the eye.

5. Consultation with Specialists:
If you continue to experience high eye pressure without any apparent cause, consider seeking a second opinion from a glaucoma specialist. They can provide a more in-depth evaluation and explore other potential underlying issues.


Conclusion
In summary, while persistently high eye pressure can be concerning, it is essential to work closely with your eye care provider to monitor and manage your condition. Regular check-ups, appropriate medications, and lifestyle adjustments can help maintain your eye health. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Your proactive approach to understanding and managing your eye pressure is commendable, and I wish you the best in your journey towards optimal eye health!