At each eye examination, your eye doctor measures intraocular pressure (IOP). Eye drops can help lower IOP by decreasing how much fluid is produced and helping it drain out of your eyes.

Caltech researchers are developing an implant that could give glaucoma patients more accurate and easier readings of their intraocular pressure (IOP). It works on similar principles to barcode scanners found at supermarket checkout stands.

Drink More Water

Dehydration can increase eye pressure. Drink more water throughout the day and listen to your body for signs that it needs more liquid, such as thirst, dark-colored urine and extreme fatigue. Do not consume excessively in one sitting (more than 1 quart), as well as caffeine-containing drinks like coffee soda or tea that may increase eye pressure.

Include green vegetables and colorful fruits that are rich in antioxidants into your diet to reduce eye pressure. Other powerful anti-eye pressure ingredients are Indian tulsi tea containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate antioxidant, and bilberry, both which reduce intraocular pressure. Vitamin C is another powerful nutrient which can lower eye pressure while also improving kidney health, dilatarising blood vessels, bringing oxygen directly to the eyes, which is essential for vision health.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is extremely important, as they contain many important nutrients for eye health – antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – which may also help remove excess fluid that builds up in your eyes, leading to pain or discomfort.

Diets rich in green leafy vegetables such as kale, collards and spinach may help to lower intraocular pressure. These leafy greens contain vitamin A and C along with carotenoids known to protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Try to incorporate eye-healthy foods like nuts and fish into your daily diet, as they contain omega 3s and vitamin E which is beneficial to eye health. Either alone as snacks or part of meals.

Eat an array of fruits and vegetables every day – fresh, frozen or canned! That way, you can reap all the health benefits these nutritious foods provide no matter the season.

Reintroducing fruits and veggies into your diet doesn’t have to be difficult! Check out MHealthy powered by Asset Health to find budget-friendly recipes, how-to videos, tips on selecting, preparing and storing fresh produce as well as signing up for the Fruit & Vegetable Challenge to be entered to win a $100 gift card! This challenge is open to active, benefits-eligible faculty/staff as well as spouses/qualifying adults enrolled in U-M health plans; learn more and register by following this link!

Reduce Stress

Glaucoma, which involves progressive damage to the optic nerve over time, can occur if eye pressure increases significantly, producing discomfort and pain for those living with the condition. Fluid produced in the eye usually drains out through its natural drainage channels but if this process becomes blocked then pressure builds up within it causing pain and discomfort for sufferers.

There are various natural ways you can reduce eye pressure. One approach is drinking plenty of water and eating healthily. Stress reduction techniques also can help.

Another natural way to reduce eye pressure is taking regular breaks from computers or television screens, so your eyes can relax without eyestrain. If you suffer from eye pressure, try including these natural methods into your daily routine. Inquire with a doctor if necessary for further advice.

Controlling your weight, exercising regularly and avoiding secondhand smoke are among the many strategies for lowering eye pressure. Caffeine has also been shown to raise intraocular pressure levels in some individuals; furthermore, according to a 2018 study mindfulness meditation may also help naturally lower eye pressure; this could serve as a complementary therapy along with medications prescribed by your physician.