Eye Pressure: What It Means and How to Lower It

High eye pressure can harm your vision quietly. Many people have no pain until damage shows up on a vision test. Knowing what eye pressure is, how it’s measured, and what you can do about it helps you catch problems early.

How eye pressure is checked and what numbers mean

Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is the fluid pressure inside your eye. Doctors measure it in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Most healthy eyes fall around 10–21 mmHg, but one number alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Your eye doctor will combine the pressure reading with corneal thickness, optic nerve appearance, and visual field tests to decide if treatment is needed.

Common tests include tonometry (a quick puff or a gentle probe), pachymetry (measures cornea thickness), retinal photos, and a visual field test to check peripheral vision. If you have family history of glaucoma, prior eye injury, or long-term steroid use, mention it—those raise your risk.

Ways to lower eye pressure: medical and practical steps

First-line treatment usually starts with medicated eye drops. There are several types: prostaglandin analogs (once-daily drops that increase fluid outflow), beta blockers (lower fluid production), alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Sometimes doctors add a second drop or use laser trabeculoplasty when drops aren’t enough. For fast, short-term reduction, oral acetazolamide may be used in urgent situations. Surgery is an option when other treatments fail.

You can also do simple things that help alongside medical care. Stay active—regular moderate exercise can lower IOP for many people. Avoid heavy, sustained breath-holding or straining during weightlifting. Limit high-caffeine drinks if you notice pressure spikes after coffee. If you sleep propped up on a wedge, it may reduce nightly pressure increases for some people. Don’t stop or change prescribed glaucoma drops on your own—consistency matters.

Watch for red flags: sudden eye pain, blurred vision, colored halos, severe headache, nausea, or vomiting. Those can signal an acute angle-closure crisis and need same-day care.

Want background on medicines and drug choices? AffordableRxMeds has related reads like guides about verapamil and diuretics that explain how different drugs work and what to ask your doctor. Use that info to have clearer conversations with your eye specialist.

Final practical tip: get a baseline eye exam and repeat checks as your doctor recommends. Early detection keeps more vision intact than waiting for symptoms. If you’re worried about pressure or family history, book an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist today.