Increased eye pressure is a major risk factor when it comes to developing glaucoma. This means that you may find yourself going through treatments, that can include a regimen of medication, if you are diagnosed with the disease. While this is true, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce your eye pressure. Keep reading to learn about a few of them.

Evaluate Medications

If you have an illness or ailment, then you may require medication. However, certain medicine may increase eye pressure as a side effect. This is true of some antihistamines, antidepressants, corticosteroids, asthma medications, and medicines used to control Parkinson's disease. While your medication is vital to your health, there are some alternatives that may not cause eye pressure issues. For example, Benadryl can cause an increase in eye pressure, but other antihistamines may not.

Other types of medicines, like ones used to manage Parkinson's or asthma possibly cannot be switched. In this case, make sure to schedule regular eye exams so you know if your eye pressure has increased over a period of time. If so, then make sure the eyes are protected from other things that can also increase eye pressure. For example, a direct trauma to the eye can cause eye pressure problems, so make sure to wear protective glasses if you play contact sports or use power tools.

Quit Smoking 

There is a direct link between smoking habits and an increase in eye pressure. The link is not clear, but the habit has been linked to diseases like macular degeneration, cataract formation, and vein occlusion. When it comes to high eye pressure, the longer you smoke, the greater your chances of developing glaucoma. While the risks do increase based on how much you smoke, the length of time that your smoke over the course of several years is most directly correlated with an increase in eye pressure.

If you want to reduce eye pressure, then the best thing you can do is stop smoking. Also, when you quit smoking, you should start exercising. This can help to reduce your eye pressure much more quickly than quitting alone. Any type of movement or activity that increases your heart rate will help you. Also, exercise will help with lowering your blood pressure. An increase in the blood pressure can elevate eye pressure. 

If you want to know more about your glaucoma risks and how the issue is directly linked to eye pressure, then speak with a clinic like White Bear Eye Clinic & Optical.

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