Intraocular pressure refers to the constant pressure maintained inside the eyeball. The degree of intraocular pressure is measured by the secretion of aqueous humor, which is the aqueous humor in the eye, the episcleral seminal pressure, and resistance to the outflow of the aqueous humor of the eye. The aqueous humor that fills the space between the lens and the cornea is responsible for maintaining a constant intraocular pressure. When such aqueous humor is produced in excess of a certain amount or abnormal circulation occurs, the intraocular pressure increases. In general, 10-20mmHg is defined as a normal intraocular pressure value, and 21mmHg or more is reported as high intraocular pressure.
If the intraocular pressure becomes higher than the normal level, the possibility of visual field disturbance or damage to the optic nerve increases. In particular, elevated intraocular pressure is known as one of the biggest risk factors for glaucoma optic nerve damage. Therefore, it can be said that it is important to practice various lifestyle habits that help maintain the normal level of intraocular pressure and to manage it carefully. Now, let’s take a look at the main causes of this increase in intraocular pressure and the various methods that can help lower it.
Reasons for increased intraocular pressure
Intraocular pressure rises for a number of reasons. Intraocular pressure may rise due to causative diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and certain medications such as steroid eye drops, prolonged use of smartphones and electronic devices in the dark, smoking, excessive drinking, and excessive caffeine intake may increase intraocular pressure. . Irregular lifestyle, excessive fatigue, stress, and vigorous exercise also act as major causes of increased intraocular pressure. And it is known that the intraocular pressure rises more easily due to genetic factors such as family history.
When the intraocular pressure rises above the normal level, the eyes become blurred and at the same time, the eyesight becomes narrow and the loss of vision is felt. In addition, the eyes feel stiff or heavy, and there may be a feeling of a foreign body as if there is another substance in the eye, and the blurring of objects due to light bleed. In addition, symptoms such as burning sensation in the eyes or frequent redness of the eyes are also symptoms that occur when the intraocular pressure is high.
As mentioned earlier, this increase in intraocular pressure not only causes visual field disturbance but also affects the optic nerve, which is the biggest cause of glaucoma and other eye diseases. It is important to implement them consistently. And if the above-mentioned symptoms continue to occur despite the improvement of these lifestyle habits, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and examination through a visit.
How to lower intraocular pressure
1. Implementation of management habits for eye rest
In order to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure, it is very important to regularly implement a management habit for eye rest. In addition to relieving eye strain through eye massage, it is said that looking at the distant scenery helps to lower the intraocular pressure. In particular, excessive use of smartphones or electronic devices in dark places is the main cause of increased intraocular pressure, so it is recommended to refrain from using them. In addition, it is recommended to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or a tie, as it can cause an increase in intraocular pressure.
2. Get enough sleep and relieve stress
In order to prevent the increase in intraocular pressure, it is very important to get enough quality sleep and at the same time to have a comfortable rest. It is also important to get enough sleep and sleep regularly, but it is also important to have a good sleeping posture. Sleeping on your side or lying on your back can cause an increase in intraocular pressure, so it is recommended to sleep in an upright position. Excessive mental stress is known to increase blood pressure and increase the rate of increase in intraocular pressure. Therefore, it is said that managing stress properly by having your own remedies so that you do not suffer from such excessive stress helps a lot in reducing the rate of increase in intraocular pressure.
3. Refrain from smoking and drinking excessively
Excessive drinking habits, including smoking, are also a major cause of increased intraocular pressure, so it is important to change habits to control and limit them. In particular, in the case of smoking, one cigarette may raise the intraocular pressure to 5mmHg, so it is recommended to be careful. In addition, excessive intake of caffeine can also increase intraocular pressure, so it is recommended to control the intake of caffeine-containing coffee, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks.
4. Eat foods that are good for intraocular pressure management
A healthy and balanced diet is one of the essential management habits in order to prevent the increase in intraocular pressure and to properly manage the intraocular pressure. Consistent intake of foods rich in ingredients beneficial to the eyes, such as beta-carotene, anthocyanin, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, is also very important in managing intraocular pressure.
Berry fruits such as blueberries, grapes and bilberries, green vegetables such as spinach, carrots, sweet pumpkin, walnuts, back blue fish, omija, and kaleidoscope help maintain the normal level of intraocular pressure and improve eye health. Foods that help. On the other hand, excessive intake of spicy and stimulant food interferes with blood flow and acts as a trigger to increase intraocular pressure, so proper intake control is required.
5. Regular exercise habits
Various aerobic exercise such as walking, running, and cycling is also a very important management habit in maintaining the normal level of intraocular pressure. In particular, if you are engaged in an office-related occupation where you spend a lot of time sitting or a job that involves a lot of computer-related work, it is important to have enough exercise time and keep it steady as the intraocular pressure is likely to increase due to the nature of the job. However, it is recommended to do moderate-intensity exercise that does not overwhelm the intraocular pressure, as excessive strength training can lead to an increase in intraocular pressure.
We learned about the various causes and symptoms of increased abnormal intraocular pressure, and various management habits that help maintain normal intraocular pressure. I hope that the various information introduced will be helpful and I hope you have a healthy and active day today.
