Ocular hypertension is another term for having higher-than-normal pressure in your eyes. The pressure in your eyes, called intraocular pressure can interfere with your sight and the health of your optic nerve if it rises too high. Ocular hypertension is one of the main signs of glaucoma, a form of eye disease, but not everyone who has ocular hypertension develops glaucoma. You could experience ocular hypertension with no signs at all. Once you are diagnosed with high IOP, however, good nutrition can play a beneficial role in reversing ocular hypertension.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
You may be able to lower your eye pressure by increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids you eat. One of the causes of ocular hypertension is improper or hampered drainage of your eye's fluids. Consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, a substance that is already touted as heart healthy, can promote more effective drainage of ocular fluids. According to a 2009 study sponsored by the National Eye Institute, people who included high levels of omega-3 in their diets were less likely to develop macular degeneration, another form of eye disease. Olive oil, salmon, sardines, walnuts and white tuna are all dietary sources of omega-3.
Antioxidant Vitamins
The Glaucoma Research Foundation reports that antioxidant vitamins A, E and C may be a beneficial form of alternative medicine for ocular hypertension. Antioxidants reduce the amount of inflammation in the body and can keep your eyes healthy. Choose dietary sources of these vitamins, including carrots, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, nuts, olive, sunflower and safflower oils, spinach, and eggs.
Zinc
Increasing your zinc consumption may also have a positive impact on your eye health, including high intraocular pressure. A variety of meats, including beef, pork, poultry, crab and oysters, contain zinc. Milk, baked beans, garbanzo beans, cheddar cheese and several kinds of nuts are good vegetarian sources of the mineral.
Supplements
Bilberry extract is a dietary supplement that could help control your eye pressure when used under your doctor's supervision. The Glaucoma Research Foundation explains that the herbal supplement keeps the blood vessels in the eyes strong, which can protect you from developing ocular hypertension and other eye diseases.
