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Step 1 Make an appointment with the eye doctor. Eye pressure, technically called intraocular pressure (IOP), cannot be evaluated and medication cannot be properly prescribed without an eye doctor. Make a follow-up appointment at the conclusion of the initial exam (see Step 2). Step 2 Take a tonometry test. This test measures IOP, and will indicate the risk factor for glaucoma. IOP may change, however, at different times of day, so multiple tests may be required to reveal fluctuation (another glaucoma risk) and range. Step 3 Request an examination of the optic nerve with an ophthalmoscope. High eye pressure threatens to damage the optic nerve. By examining the optic nerve with an ophthalmoloscope, the eye doctor will be able to determine how high the chances are of damage or whether damage has already occurred. Step 4 Discuss medical history, current medical conditions and any medications you're taking with your eye doctor. Many eye medications have side effects and contraindications. Any heart or lung condition, or diabetes, are especially important factors in determining which medication is best to reduce eye pressure, since these conditions may create adverse effects. Step 5 Understand the cause of ocular hypertension (elevated IOP) and functions of medicine. Ocular hypertension is characterized by either the over-production of fluids (aqueous humor) in the eye, or a drainage buildup, both of which result in too much eye fluid in the eye, like water filling a balloon. Medicines function to either decrease the amount of fluid produced or to trigger better fluid drainage. Step 6 Be prepared to try eye drops first. Prescription eye drops are the primary form of medication for lowering IOP, and this type of medication often requires multiple applications and sometimes more than one type of eye drop used. Step 7 Try prostaglandins if the need is to increase fluid outflow. These drops have few side effects, and only need to be taken once daily. Brands include Xalatan, Lumigan, and Rescula. Step 8 Try beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) to reduce fluid production. These eye drops are often used in conjunction with prostaglandins, and work by decreasing fluid production. The stronger the eye drops, the more side effects that are possible, such as burning, redness, and elevated pupils, or even fatigue, weight loss, and depression (as has been reported with CAIs). Step 9 Strictly follow prescription orders, and check with your eye doctor before discontinuing use of a medication. AllAboutVision.com reports that non-compliance with a prescription is a major reason for permanent damage to the optic nerve that results in blindness. Follow up with the eye doctor consistently to be certain the medication is working properly. Step 10 Consider laser surgery if eye drop medications are ineffective. Laser surgery is used to treat patients who cannot effectively use prescription eye drops to lower IOP. The surgery involves using a laser to create new drainage channels. An antioxidant extract of French maritime pine trees can reduce high blood pressure in the eyes, a condition known as ocular hypertension. Use only prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure in people with certain eye conditions. Lumigan eye drops is used for lowering eye pressure in people with high eye pressure or open angle glaucoma.
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