Keep the Pressure Down: Eye Spikes by Brian Simpson

Here is a subject which most of us have not thought about: eye pressure spikes. According to Charles McMonnies, “Intraocular Pressure Spikes in Keratectosia, Axial Myopia, and Glaucoma,” Optometry and Vision Science, vol. 85, 2008, pp. 1018-1026, there is an eye danger from activities leading to pressure on the eyes, such as sleeping face down or even doing a gym workout. Fluid pressure in the eyes increase from a wide range of activities such as weight lifting or even eye rubbing. Even a firm touch of the eyes can cause a pressure spike three to five times normal pressure, and strong rubbing can raise pressure to 10 times normal levels.

Pressure spikes normally are not a problem, but those that are long and/or frequent may contribute to eye pressure-related diseases such as glaucoma, and rapidly increasing myopia (short-sightedness).
All this is alarming when one first hears of it, but common sense should prevail in eye care. Treat the cause of eye conditions (dry eyes) that lead to rubbing. Avoid heavy lifting and don’t sleep with your eyes in contact with the pillow. Most importantly, regular eye check-ups, especially pressure tests, is a must for anyone over 40-years. Eye care is a neglected part of health, but sight is our most important sense.