Intraocular Pressure: What it means and why you should care

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside your eye. Doctors measure it in mmHg; a typical range is about 10–21 mmHg. High IOP doesn’t always cause symptoms, but it raises the risk of glaucoma, which can quietly damage your optic nerve and your sight.

You can’t guess IOP by how your eye feels. Many people with high pressure notice nothing until vision is affected. That’s why routine checks with a simple tonometry test matter—especially if you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or use steroid medicines.

Common causes and drug links

High eye pressure can come from blocked drainage of fluid inside the eye, age-related changes, eye injury, or other eye conditions. A key drug-related cause is steroids. Steroid eye drops, injections, or even systemic steroids can raise IOP in some people. If you’re using steroid treatments like triamcinolone or dexamethasone, ask your doctor about pressure checks and how often you should be monitored.

Some of our site guides talk about buying steroid medicines and safety. If you’re considering steroid therapy, read practical safety tips first and never self-prescribe. Unmonitored steroid use is a common and avoidable cause of raised eye pressure.

Practical steps to check and lower IOP

Get regular eye exams. If you have risk factors, aim for pressure checks at the interval your eye doctor recommends. If IOP is high, treatment options include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery—your eye doctor will choose based on how high the pressure is and your eye health.

Simple daily steps can help: stick with glaucoma medicines exactly as prescribed, keep regular follow-ups, and tell your eye doctor about any steroid use—eye, inhaled, injected, or oral. Exercise moderately; routine aerobic activity often helps lower pressure. Avoid long holds of breath and heavy weightlifting that dramatically raises intra-thoracic pressure, which can temporarily change eye pressure.

Watch your caffeine and hydration. A normal amount of caffeine is fine for most people, but big, sudden caffeine spikes can briefly affect pressure. Also, avoid gulping large volumes of fluid at once; slow steady hydration is safer for people worried about IOP.

When should you see an eye doctor right away? If you get sudden eye pain, blurred vision, nausea with eye pain, or a red, hard eye, seek urgent care—those signs can point to an acute pressure spike that needs immediate treatment.

Want more on medicine safety? Check our site for plain-language guides about steroid eye treatments and safe online medication practices. If you use steroids or have a family history of glaucoma, bring this up at your next visit—simple monitoring can prevent permanent vision loss.