High Eye Pressure and Uveitis: Quick Facts and Practical Tips

If you’ve heard the terms high eye pressure and uveitis, you might wonder how they affect each other. High eye pressure, also called ocular hypertension, means the fluid inside your eye is pushing harder than normal. Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, called the uvea. When they happen together, the risk of vision problems can rise quickly.

What Happens When Pressure Rises During Uveitis?

Inflammation in uveitis can block the tiny drainage channels that normally let fluid exit the eye. When those channels get clogged, pressure builds up. This can lead to secondary glaucoma, a type of glaucoma caused by another eye problem. People with uveitis often need extra monitoring to catch pressure spikes early.

Spotting Symptoms Early

Both conditions share some warning signs, but each also has its own clues. High eye pressure usually doesn’t cause pain at first; you might notice blurry vision or see halos around lights. Uveitis often brings redness, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling. If you get any of these together—especially sudden vision changes—it’s time to call your eye doctor.

Doctors check eye pressure with a tonometer and examine the eye with a slit‑lamp. They may also do a dilated exam to see how deep the inflammation goes. These tests help decide whether you need pressure‑lowering drops, anti‑inflammatory meds, or both.

Topical steroid drops are the most common treatment for uveitis. They calm the inflammation but can increase eye pressure on their own. That’s why eye doctors often pair steroids with pressure‑lowering eye drops, like prostaglandin analogs or beta‑blockers, to keep the pressure in check.

If steroids raise pressure too much, doctors might switch to non‑steroid options such as non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or immunosuppressive pills. Those stronger medicines are used when inflammation is stubborn or when you need to protect the optic nerve from damage.

Beyond medication, lifestyle choices can make a difference. Staying hydrated helps the eye’s fluid balance, while limiting caffeine can prevent short‑term pressure spikes. Regular exercise improves overall circulation, which supports eye health.

Protect your eyes from bright light with sunglasses that block UV rays. Excessive UV exposure can worsen inflammation and raise pressure over time. If you work on a computer a lot, follow the 20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This habit reduces eye strain, which can aggravate pressure issues.

Follow‑up appointments are key. Even if symptoms improve, the underlying pressure may stay high. Most eye doctors schedule visits every few weeks during the acute phase, then stretch out to every few months once things stabilize.

When you’re dealing with both conditions, keep a simple log. Write down the day you start a new drop, any side effects, and any changes in vision. This record helps your doctor adjust treatment quickly.

Remember, high eye pressure and uveitis are manageable when you act early and stick to the treatment plan. Don’t ignore mild redness or occasional blurry spots—those can be the first hints of a bigger problem. Talk to your eye specialist, ask about the best eye‑drop regimen for you, and keep your eye health on track.