You may not feel it, but the pressure inside your eyes plays a big role in your long-term vision. At Doctors EyeCare Grande Prairie, our team knows that, unlike a headache or a strained muscle, high eye pressure often arrives without warning. Your vision may seem perfectly fine, and you likely won’t notice any discomfort, which is why it can go unnoticed for years without regular eye exams.
So, what’s happening inside your eye? High eye pressure, or ocular hypertension, develops when the fluid inside your eye doesn’t drain properly, causing pressure to build up. While this condition is often linked to medications, eye injuries, or other health factors, it is most commonly caused by your eye producing more fluid than it can drain.
What Is High Eye Pressure?
Think of your eye like a small sink. It constantly produces a clear fluid called aqueous humour that flows in and drains out. When the drain becomes slightly clogged, the fluid builds up, and the pressure inside the eye rises. This is distinct from glaucoma, which involves damage to the optic nerve.
However, having high eye pressure can be a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma later on. The tricky part is that it rarely has any noticeable symptoms, leaving you unaware that anything is amiss.
How Your Eye Feels with High Pressure
For most people, high eye pressure feels like nothing at all. There is no pain, no redness, and your vision may seem as clear as ever. You can’t feel the change, which makes it nearly impossible to detect on your own.
Therefore, high pressure is almost always discovered during regular, comprehensive eye exams. An eye doctor has the specific tools to measure the pressure inside your eyes and spot changes you’d probably never notice.
Common Causes of High Eye Pressure
Several factors can disrupt the delicate fluid balance in your eyes. One of the most common reasons is that your eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time, leading to a slow, steady buildup of fluid.
Other common contributors include certain medications, such as steroids, which can affect fluid drainage. A past eye injury, which may have required emergency eye care, can alter the eye’s internal structure and affect how fluid flows in and out, even years after the trauma.
Other Risk Factors to Know
In addition to the direct causes, certain factors can increase your risk of developing high eye pressure. It’s helpful to be aware if you have:
- A family history of high eye pressure or glaucoma
- Are over 40; the risk increases with time
- Certain health conditions that affect circulation or inflammation
How Eye Doctors Check for High Pressure
Measuring your eye pressure is a standard and important part of a complete eye exam. The test itself, called tonometry, is quick and straightforward. You won’t feel any discomfort during the measurement.
You may be familiar with the “puff of air” test, a common method. Another involves a gentle touch to the eye’s surface with a tiny probe after your eye has been numbed with drops. Both provide an accurate reading of your intraocular pressure.
Why Regular Checkups Matter
Since you can’t feel high eye pressure, regular checkups are a reliable way to protect your vision. Early detection allows an optometrist to monitor the situation and recommend steps to manage the pressure before it affects the optic nerve.
During these routine visits, your eye doctor can track any changes over time. Your eye doctor in Grande Prairie will check your eye pressure as a key part of every comprehensive health assessment to safeguard your sight.
Ways to Help Manage Your Eye Pressure
If your eye pressure is elevated, there are effective ways to help lower it. The most common first step is prescription eye drops. These drops work by either helping your eye drain fluid more efficiently or by reducing the amount of fluid it produces.
When eye drops alone are not enough, laser treatments or other surgical options may be considered to improve the eye’s drainage system. Additionally, certain lifestyle changes can support your overall eye health and complement your treatment plan.
Simple Habits to Support Healthy Eyes
You can also take proactive steps in your daily life to support eye health. These habits are good for your whole body, including your vision:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in foods for healthy eyes, like leafy greens and colourful fruits.
- Limit your daily caffeine intake.
- Stay active with regular, moderate exercise, such as brisk walking.
Activities to Approach with Care
Certain activities can cause a temporary spike in your eye pressure. While they may not be a problem for everyone, it’s good to be mindful of them if you have been diagnosed with ocular hypertension.
For example, straining during heavy lifting can increase pressure. Some yoga poses in which your head is below your heart, such as headstands, can have a similar effect. Even playing high-resistance wind instruments, such as a trumpet, may temporarily raise intraocular pressure.
How We Can Help
High eye pressure is a silent condition, but it doesn’t have to threaten your vision. With regular eye exams, it can be identified and managed effectively. Our team at Doctors EyeCare Grande Prairie is here to provide friendly, comprehensive care for your entire family. Book your next eye exam today to keep your vision clear and healthy.
