Intraocular pressure, or IOP, is pressure inside your eye. Certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, can cause your eye pressure to increase, which can cause damage to your optic nerve. Optic nerve damage can cause you to lose some or all of your vision permanently if the condition is not treated properly. Medicine can be used to reduce eye pressure, but there are a number of lifestyle changes you can implement to reduce high IOP naturally.
Step 1
Exercise to lower your IOP, suggests the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. Aerobic exercise like walking or jogging can be beneficial to patients with glaucoma. The Glaucoma Research Foundation stresses the benefits of exercising on a regular basis for at least three months to lower IOP.
Step 2
Cut back on caffeine if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or other instances of elevated IOP. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, some people who drink caffeinated beverages experience a spike in their IOP for several hours after consumption. The results of such studies are not always consistent, and some people may not show a rise of IOP in relation to caffeine, but if you have glaucoma, ask your doctor about your caffeine intake.
Step 3
Use antioxidant vitamins and herbal supplements, under the supervision of your eye doctor, to reduce IOP naturally. Vitamins C, A and E, all antioxidants, can contribute to better eye health, as explained by the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Formulations of these three vitamins are regularly used to protect against and slow the progression of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, and may have a positive outcome on IOP. Bilberry extract is also said to have a beneficial effect on sufferers of glaucoma because the herb strengthens eye capillaries. Ask your health care provider to determine appropriate dosages.
Step 4
Consider alternative treatments such as biofeedback or relaxation to reduce IOP naturally. The National Health Service reports that lowering blood pressure may cause a drop in IOP as well. A study reported in a 1995 issue of "Ophthalmologica" shows that self-relaxation practices that include visualization of normal eye drainage, a process that can become impeded and therefore raise IOP, may also play a role in lowering IOP.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamins C, E and A
- Bilberry extract
