Cataracts are known for clouding the lens of the eye and gradually affecting sight, but patients often wonder if cataracts can also raise eye pressure. While cataracts themselves are primarily a lens condition, their presence can influence the balance of fluids inside the eye. This can sometimes lead to elevated pressure, which your doctor may want to monitor closely.
Understanding Eye Pressure
Inside the eye, there is a natural circulation of fluid that nourishes tissues and helps the eye maintain its shape. This fluid drains through a small channel, keeping pressure levels balanced. When that balance is disrupted, pressure inside the eye can rise. If pressure remains elevated for long periods, it can put stress on the optic nerve.
This is why eye pressure is measured during regular eye exams. Even if you do not have obvious symptoms, your doctor will often check your pressure level as part of a full assessment.
How Cataracts Can Influence Pressure
Cataracts thicken and harden the natural lens over time. As the lens enlarges, it can slightly narrow the space where fluid drains out. This change may not cause issues right away, but in some cases, it can contribute to higher eye pressure.
Another way cataracts can affect pressure is after surgery. Once the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, fluid circulation inside the eye often improves. Many patients actually see their eye pressure stabilize or lower after surgery.
Cataracts and Glaucoma Connection
Glaucoma is a condition where damage to the optic nerve is linked to high eye pressure. Because both cataracts and glaucoma become more common with age, the two can overlap in the same patient. Your doctor may want to keep a closer watch if you have both conditions.
Cataracts can make glaucoma harder to diagnose because the cloudy lens can interfere with a clear view of the optic nerve during an exam. For this reason, cataract patients sometimes undergo additional imaging or tests to monitor eye health.
Symptoms to Watch For
Cataracts develop gradually, and eye pressure changes can also be subtle. Most people will not notice a rise in pressure on their own. Still, there are signs you should mention to your doctor:
- Increasingly blurred or cloudy vision
- Changes in how bright colors appear
- Greater difficulty with night driving or bright lights
- Sudden eye pain or headaches (though less common)
Any vision change should be reported, even if it seems minor. Regular testing will confirm whether pressure is within normal limits.
Testing for Eye Pressure
During your exam, your doctor may use a simple device that lightly touches the surface of the eye or uses a puff of air to measure pressure. These tests are quick and painless.
If there are concerns, your doctor may recommend additional tests to check the optic nerve or assess drainage channels. Combining these results gives a clearer picture of whether cataracts are affecting your pressure.
Treatment Options
If cataracts are raising your eye pressure, surgery to remove the lens may help restore balance. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures performed today. Once the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial one, many patients notice both visual improvement and a positive effect on pressure levels.
For patients who also have glaucoma, your doctor may recommend addressing both conditions together. In some cases, combined procedures can be performed to lower pressure while also removing the cataract.
When to Schedule an Exam
If you are over 40, regular exams are recommended at least every two years. After 65, an annual exam is best. This allows your doctor to watch for cataracts, measure pressure, and detect early signs of glaucoma or other age-related changes.
You should also schedule an appointment sooner if you notice vision changes such as glare, cloudiness, or colors that look less vivid. These can be signs that your cataracts are progressing, and an updated exam will give your doctor the chance to measure both lens changes and pressure.
Bring a list of symptoms you have noticed, even if they seem unrelated. Let your doctor know about any family history of eye conditions. If you wear glasses or contacts, check if your current prescription still feels right. These details will help your doctor give you the clearest advice possible.
Ready to take the next step toward a clearer vision? Schedule a consultation with SuraVision today to discuss your options and learn more about Cataract Surgery. Call us at 713-730-2020 or book your appointment online!