Eye strain

What is eye strain?

Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is the pressure exerted by the fluids inside the eye on the eye walls.

This pressure is vital for maintaining the spherical shape of the eye and ensuring that it functions properly. High eye pressure, or ocular hypertension, is a risk factor for glaucoma, a disease that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

tensión ocular

How do we treat eye strain?

Understanding the pressure in your eyes is the first step in protecting your vision. Our team of ophthalmologists uses advanced technology for a complete and painless diagnosis.

Air tonometry (non-contact)

During this test, there is no need to apply any drops or touch your eye. You will simply sit comfortably in front of a specialised piece of equipment. We will ask you to rest your chin and forehead on the support and stare at a light.

The tonometer will emit a gentle, brief puff of air onto the surface of your eye.

Corneal thickness assessment

We also measure the thickness of your cornea with a pachymeter. It is a quick and simple test that helps us better understand your individual risk of developing glaucoma.

Surveillance and monitoring

If your eye pressure is slightly elevated, your ophthalmologist may decide to monitor it with regular check-ups before starting treatment. Constant observation is key.

Personalised treatment

If the risk is greater, or the pressure is considerable, we may opt for:

  • Medicated eye drops: These are very effective in reducing intraocular pressure.
  • Laser therapy or surgery: In certain cases, laser or surgical procedures may be necessary to control eye pressure more definitively.

Frequently asked questions

What causes ocular hypertension?

There are several factors that can make you more prone to ocular hypertension:

  • Age: From the age of 40 onwards, the risk begins to increase. It’s part of the ageing process!
  • Your genes: If there are cases of high eye pressure in your family, you are more likely to have it too. Genetics play an important role.
  • High myopia: If you have a high number of dioptres, you may also be more likely to develop it.
  • High blood pressure: If your overall blood pressure is already high, this can also affect your eyes.

What are the different levels of ocular hypertension?

Ocular pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and there are three levels:

  • Low ocular pressure: Less than 10 mm Hg
    This is rare, but if your pressure is below 10 mm Hg, it is considered low.
  • Normal eye pressure: Between 10 and 22 mm Hg
    Most people have a pressure between 10 and 22 mm Hg. This is the range we consider healthy for your eyes.
  • High eye pressure: Over 22 mmHg
    When pressure rises above 22 mmHg, we refer to it as high eye pressure. It is important to pay attention to this because, if left unchecked, it can affect your optic nerve and lead to problems such as glaucoma.

How to lower eye strain?

What you eat and how you live directly impacts the pressure in your eyes. Fried foods, excessive carbohydrates, and junk food in general can be your worst enemies.

However, there are many natural things you can do to lower eye strain, such as:

  • Get moving: Exercising regularly is fantastic for your whole body, and your eyes are no exception!
  • Eat well: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and E in your diet. They are antioxidants and very good for eye health.
  • Relax: Stress is not good for anything, including your eyes. Try to find ways to reduce it in your daily life.
  • Say goodbye to tobacco: Cigarette smoke, whether you smoke or are around someone who does, is very harmful. Avoid it at all costs.
  • Moderate your alcohol intake: Reducing your consumption of alcoholic beverages also helps maintain healthy eye pressure levels.