Understanding eye pressure symptoms will ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of the problem and prevent any damage to the eyes. Read this article, to know more about signs of eye pressure that one should look out for.
Pressure inside the eyes is caused by a fluid substance called aqueous humor. This fluid is responsible for supplying essential nutrients to the cornea, iris, and lens of the eye. It also maintains the shape of the eye. In normal conditions, this aqueous fluid is produced and drained out at a uniform rate. Thus the level of pressure inside the eye remains steady. When due to some reasons, the fluid gets accumulated inside the eye then it leads to high eye pressure. On the other hand, if there is not enough fluid, then it causes low eye pressure. Both conditions have an adverse effect on the vision of the affected person.
Eye Pressure Range
Normal eye pressure should be in the range of 12 and 21 millimeters of mercury (or mm Hg). When this is above 21 mm Hg, it is considered to be high eye pressure and when it is below 12 mm Hg, it is called low eye pressure. Certain activities can bring about minor changes in the conditions for a brief period of time. For example, if you stand on your head or lift heavy objects, then it may cause a temporary change in eye pressure. However, it is not a harmful condition and it becomes normal within a short span of time. It becomes a serious issue when the high or low pressure persists for a long duration.
Symptoms
The medical term used to describe high eye pressure is ocular hypertension. It is caused when the watery fluid production, found inside the eyes, goes up or there is inadequate drainage. The two most prevalent symptoms are chronic pain in the eyes and headache. These symptoms are often accompanied by redness in the eyes and blurred vision. If it is left untreated, then it can lead to a serious eye disease named glaucoma. In this condition, the pain become so intense that it causes nausea and vomiting. When these patients look at bright lights, rainbow colored circles appear in front of their eyes. If the optic nerves are damaged irreversibly due to glaucoma, it may even result in complete loss of vision.
Low eye pressure is also known as ocular hypotony. Its symptoms often vary in individual cases. Some of the most commonly observed symptoms are persistent eye pain, retinal detachment, swelling in and around the eyes, and blurred vision. When the pain and swelling increases, it causes excessive tearing and reddening of the eyes.
Treatment
As soon as you notice one or more symptoms, you must visit an ophthalmologist for treatment. At the clinic, eye pressure is measured with the help of a special test known as tonometry test. Besides, many other tests are conducted to determine the exact cause behind change pressure. Those who have increased pressure are given eye drops to control the condition. If the cause behind this eye problem is overproduction of eye fluid, then it is controlled with medicines like beta blockers. In some cases, doctors recommend certain eye exercises and aerobic exercises for the improving flow of blood to the retina which in turn reduces the pressure. When non surgical methods of treatment fail to show any result, then surgery is conducted to drain out the fluid. There are no medicines that can elevate the levels of eye pressure. So, doctors try to treat the underlying condition that caused low eye pressure. Eye injuries are treated with eye drops and medicines. Infections are treated with antibiotics. If it is a chronic problem, then any damage in the tissues of the eyes is rectified with the help of surgery.
In many cases, no eye pressure symptoms are observed until serious damage has occurred. You can prevent any major damage with the help of proper eye care. You must go for regular check ups, twice a year. If you have a family history of glaucoma or you have diabetes, then you must inform your eye doctor about it.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
