What happens if high eye pressure is not treated?

If high eye pressure (ocular hypertension) isn't treated, it can gradually damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss and eventually blindness, usually starting with loss of peripheral (side) vision, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage occurs. This damage is irreversible, so early detection and consistent management are crucial to preserve sight.

What is dangerously high eye pressure?

If the pressure in your eye is over 21mmHg then you may be told you have raised pressure. If it less than 30mmHg you may not be advised to have treatment, as long as everything else is healthy with your eyes and your general health.

Can glaucoma cause dizziness?

Yes, glaucoma can cause dizziness, either directly from the increased eye pressure leading to nausea and balance issues, or indirectly as a side effect of glaucoma medications like beta-blockers, which can cause lightheadedness and fatigue, affecting balance. Vision loss from glaucoma itself can also impact balance and cause dizziness.
 

How long does it take for high eye pressure to cause damage?

Intraocular Pressure (Eye Pressure)

The higher the eye pressure, the higher risk of going blind due to glaucoma. On average, let's take a closer look at the relationship between intraocular pressure and going blind from glaucoma: 21-25 mmHg – if left untreated, it takes about 15 years for glaucoma to cause blindness.

What happens if you don't treat high eye pressure?

Ocular hypertension can cause glaucoma. Glaucoma happens when high IOP damages the optic nerve. These nerves in both eyes connect directly to your brain and transmit electrical signals that your brain turns into images. If you have glaucoma that's not treated, you can lose your vision.

What Does It Mean If You Have High Pressure In The Eyes | Specsavers

How quickly does untreated glaucoma progress?

Blindness from untreated glaucoma typically occurs slowly over a 10- to 15-year period. For most patients, advanced vision damage can be avoided with consistent treatment and follow-up.

What not to do when eye pressure is high?

With high eye pressure (glaucoma), avoid activities that put your head below your heart (headstands, some yoga), heavy weightlifting (holding breath), high-impact sports (risk of injury), tight neckwear, and very small goggles; instead, focus on low-impact exercise, normal breathing, and consult your doctor about medications, as certain drugs can spike pressure.
 

How does your eye feel if the pressure is high?

High eye pressure often feels like a dull ache, heaviness, or fullness in or around the eyes, sometimes accompanied by headaches, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, or redness, but it's often a "silent thief" with no symptoms until a sudden, severe spike causes intense pain, nausea, and vision loss (acute glaucoma). A rapid increase feels like the eye might burst, while slow increases go unnoticed, making regular check-ups crucial.
 

Will I eventually go blind with glaucoma?

Without treatment, glaucoma inevitably causes permanent vision loss and blindness. With treatment, it's possible to slow the progress of the disease or stop it entirely.

What is the fastest way to lower eye pressure?

How to Lower Intraocular Eye Pressure

1. Use Prescription Eye Drops.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet.
3. Exercise Regularly.
4. Stay Hydrated — But in Moderation.
5. Practice Eye-Friendly Habits.
6. Consider Surgery When Necessary.
7. Help Us Provide Hope.

What are the signs that glaucoma is getting worse?

3 Subtle Signs Your Glaucoma May Be Getting Worse

• Seeing Halos Around Lights. One of the most common early signs that glaucoma may be worsening is seeing halos or rainbow-colored rings around lights. ...
• Blurred Vision That Comes and Goes. ...
• Eye Pain or Discomfort.

What is the life expectancy of a person with glaucoma?

Glaucoma itself isn't directly linked to a shorter life expectancy, with many studies showing people with glaucoma live as long as the general population, especially with proper treatment that preserves vision. However, some research notes higher mortality risk, often linked to underlying conditions like vascular disease, suggesting that early diagnosis, controlling blood pressure, and managing overall health are crucial for a normal lifespan and preventing severe vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Medical News Today, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

When is eye pressure an emergency?

Eye pressure pain, usually experienced during acute glaucoma attacks, feels like a sharp or severe aching sensation. It is often paired with redness, nausea, and rapidly worsening blurry vision. This is often considered a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate treatment.

What can be mistaken for glaucoma?

Certain inflammatory eye diseases (like optic neuritis), retinal diseases, or past injuries can also affect the optic nerve's appearance or visual field test results, making them appear similar to glaucoma.

Is there a link between blood pressure and eye pressure?

Can high blood pressure (or hypertension) cause glaucoma? The research is not conclusive. Doctors know that increased blood pressure results in increased eye pressure, possibly because high blood pressure increases the amount of fluid the eye produces and/or affects the eye's drainage system.

What is the end stage of glaucoma?

What is end-stage glaucoma? End-stage glaucoma, also known as advanced or terminal glaucoma, is a phase of this progressive eye disease characterized by significant damage to the optic nerve, leading to profound loss of sight.

Can glaucoma be cured by laser treatment?

However, it is important to understand that laser therapy is not a cure for glaucoma, and the eye pressure lowering effect can wear off over time. The good news is that laser treatments can be repeated, although the LiGHT study did not examine this possibility.

What not to do with high eye pressure?

With high eye pressure (glaucoma), avoid activities that put your head below your heart (headstands, some yoga), heavy weightlifting (holding breath), high-impact sports (risk of injury), tight neckwear, and very small goggles; instead, focus on low-impact exercise, normal breathing, and consult your doctor about medications, as certain drugs can spike pressure.
 

What are the early signs of eye stroke?

Symptoms of eye stroke

Most people with an eye stroke notice a loss of vision in one eye upon waking in the morning with no pain. Some people notice a dark area or shadow in their vision that affects the upper or lower half of their visual field. Other symptoms include loss of visual contrast and light sensitivity.

How do I check my eye pressure at home?

Pressure readings are taken at home with a small device that positions over the eye by resting on the bones above and below the eye. A tip at the end of the device gently contacts the eye to take the eye pressure reading.

What is the root cause of high eye pressure?

Raised eye pressure happens as the result of a buildup of fluid that flows throughout the inside of the eye. This fluid, called the aqueous humor, usually drains through a tissue located at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. This tissue is called the trabecular meshwork.

Is watching TV bad for glaucoma?

Many people assume that 'using your eyes' can worsen your glaucoma. Reading, watching TV or using your phone or computer does not have any impact on your glaucoma. As mentioned previously, early detection and regular monitoring are important in managing glaucoma.

What is the best sleeping position for eye pressure?

This has given further evidence to the hypothesis that other factors are at play, such as impaired blood flow. As research stands, today's best clinical knowledge means that many ophthalmologists might recommend glaucoma sufferers to sleep with their head raised to a greater or lesser extent.