Intraocular Pressure: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It’s Managed

When your eye feels stiff or you’ve been told you have intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside your eye that helps maintain its shape and function. Also known as eye pressure, it’s not something you usually feel—but when it’s too high, it can quietly damage your vision over time. This isn’t just a number on a chart. It’s a real, measurable force that, if left unchecked, can lead to glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that destroy the optic nerve, often without early warning signs. About 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and half don’t even know it. That’s why knowing your intraocular pressure matters more than you think.

High intraocular pressure doesn’t always mean you have glaucoma, but it’s the biggest risk factor. Some people have pressure that’s elevated but never develop nerve damage—this is called ocular hypertension. Others develop glaucoma even with normal pressure, which is why doctors look at more than just one number. They check your optic nerve, your visual field, and your eye structure. Treatments aim to lower that pressure before it harms your sight. You might be prescribed Betoptic, a beta-blocker eye drop that reduces fluid production in the eye, or Pred Forte, a steroid drop used for inflammation that can also raise pressure if used too long. These aren’t just random medications—they’re tools chosen based on how your body responds to pressure changes.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons and practical guides on the drugs and treatments that directly affect intraocular pressure. You’ll see how Betoptic stacks up against other glaucoma drops, how steroid eye treatments like Pred Forte can accidentally raise pressure, and what alternatives exist when one drug doesn’t work. There’s no fluff—just clear, no-nonsense info on what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to ask your doctor. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, managing long-term pressure, or just trying to understand why your eye drops changed, this collection gives you the facts you need to make smarter choices.