Eye Pain: Is It Due to High Eye Pressure or Incorrect Prescription?

Q: Eye Pain: Is It Due to High Eye Pressure or Incorrect Prescription?

Hello, Xiao-Jia： Most cases of eye soreness are caused by eye fatigue, so improving your eye habits is the most important step. <br>If your intraocular pressure is normal, and the optic nerve examination and visual field tests are normal, there should be no need for glaucoma medi

Is eye strain related to high intraocular pressure?

Hello Doctor: I am currently experiencing frequent eye pain.
I also have pain on both sides of my nose and suffer from migraines.
I am unsure if this is caused by an insufficient prescription for my glasses.
My current prescription is -1.75 for my left eye and -2.00 for my right eye, but my eyes now feel like they need -2.75 in both.
I wonder if the insufficient prescription is causing the sensation of heavy eye pressure.
I have seen an ophthalmologist who prescribed me eye pressure drops and artificial tears, but my eyes still feel swollen and painful.
The doctor mentioned that dry eyes can also lead to elevated eye pressure.
Do I need to change my glasses prescription? Would this help alleviate the swelling and pain in my eyes? Thank you.

Xiao Jia, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Xiao-Jia: Most cases of eye soreness are caused by eye fatigue, so improving your eye habits is the most important step.
If your intraocular pressure is normal, and the optic nerve examination and visual field tests are normal, there should be no need for glaucoma medications.
Insufficient refractive error should not cause bulging pain, and dry eyes do not lead to elevated intraocular pressure.
Your doctor likely mentioned that high intraocular pressure could cause a sensation of pressure and soreness in the eyes.
Additionally, issues related to the nose, such as sinusitis, can also lead to discomfort in the eyes.
If there is still no improvement, you may consider consulting another physician for a different opinion.
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.
We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2015/09/03

More Info

Hello,
It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Eye pain, especially when accompanied by headaches and discomfort around the nose, can stem from various causes, including incorrect prescription glasses, eye strain, dry eyes, and even elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Let's break down your concerns and explore potential solutions.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: The pain you're feeling in your eyes, along with the discomfort around your nose and headaches, could indeed be related to your glasses prescription. If your current prescription is outdated (you mentioned that your eyes have changed from 175/200 to 275), this could lead to eye strain. When the eyes are forced to work harder to focus, it can result in discomfort, fatigue, and even headaches.
2. Eye Pressure and Dryness: Your doctor mentioned that dry eyes can contribute to elevated eye pressure. This is an important point. When your eyes are dry, they can become irritated, leading to discomfort and potentially causing you to feel like your eye pressure is high. Artificial tears can help alleviate dryness, but if your eyes are still feeling uncomfortable, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether you need a different formulation or additional treatments.

3. Need for Updated Prescription: Given that your vision has changed, it would be advisable to get an updated eye exam. An accurate prescription can significantly reduce eye strain and discomfort. If your new prescription is indeed higher, wearing the correct lenses should help alleviate the symptoms you're experiencing.
4. Managing Eye Strain: In addition to updating your prescription, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain, especially if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen. Also, ensure that your workspace is well-lit and that you’re taking regular breaks to rest your eyes.

5. Follow-Up with Your Eye Doctor: Since you've already been prescribed eye drops for lowering eye pressure, it's essential to follow up with your eye doctor to monitor your condition. If your eye pressure remains elevated despite treatment, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out conditions such as glaucoma.

6. Mental Health Considerations: It's understandable to feel anxious about your eye health, especially with the symptoms you're experiencing. Consider discussing your concerns with your eye doctor, who can provide reassurance and guidance. Sometimes, just knowing that you are taking steps to address the issue can help alleviate anxiety.

7. Long-Term Eye Health: Regular eye exams are crucial, especially as you age or if you have a family history of eye conditions. Keeping your prescription updated and addressing any symptoms promptly can help maintain your eye health.

In summary, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional to get an updated prescription and discuss your ongoing symptoms. Properly addressing your prescription needs and managing dry eyes can significantly improve your comfort and overall eye health. Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor with any further questions or concerns you may have.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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