How to Lower Eye Pressure

Ocular hypertension--high pressure in the eye--can be caused by an eye condition known as glaucoma. Glaucoma usually results in gradual vision loss and mostly affects people over the age of 40. This condition can be tested for in a doctor's office by a device that shoots a puff of air in the eye and measures the eye pressure. Certain medications and techniques can help lower eye pressure before any long-term effects are suffered.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your doctor if you have noticed any changes in your eyes and he will conduct an exam. If you are diagnosed with ocular hypertension or glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe eye drops to start with.

• 2

  Take oral prescription medications if eye drops do not reduce the eye pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a beta blocker or a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to lower eye pressure.

• 3

  Drink small amounts of fluids throughout the day to help keep eye pressure low. Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid throughout the day because this may increase eye pressure. Also avoid caffeine consumption since this is known to raise eye pressure.

• 4

  Eat a healthy diet complete with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Doctors rarely advise lowering eye pressure by diet alone; it should be done in conjunction with taking medications, according to Medicine.net.

• 5

  Consult with your doctor about laser surgery if medication has not lowered eye pressure within a few months. The patient is sedated and the procedure is usually done in the office by draining the fluid from the eye. Side effects could include extremely low eye pressure, but this can be controlled by medications.

• 6

  Do isokinetic or aerobic exercises. Eye pressure can be lowered with any exercise that raises the heart rate by 25 percent, which includes a brisk walk according to Eye Digest. Isokinetic exercises are at a fixed rate of speed, such as riding a stationary bicycle. Aerobic exercise generally works the same large muscle group, such as walking or jogging.