A new study reveals that high eye pressure could be a key factor in the early stages of glaucoma, one of the top causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide.
The research, led by Yi Hua, a biomedical engineering professor at the University of Mississippi, and scientists at the University of Pittsburgh, was recently published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because most people don’t notice symptoms until significant vision damage has already occurred. It affects the optic nerve, which is essential for vision, and once damaged, the loss of sight cannot be reversed.
The team focused on ocular hypertension, or elevated pressure inside the eye. “We wanted to understand how increased intraocular pressure affects blood vessels in the eye,” said Hua. “That knowledge could help us develop drugs to improve blood flow and slow the progression of glaucoma.”
Normally, a fluid in the eye called aqueous humor drains out properly. But when it doesn’t, pressure builds up. This pressure puts stress on the lamina cribrosa, a mesh-like part of the optic nerve, squeezing nearby blood vessels and cutting off oxygen to important cells. Without oxygen, these cells can die—leading to vision loss.
“This could give us a new way to detect glaucoma earlier,” said Yuankai Lu, a postdoctoral researcher and study co-author. “If we can monitor blood flow and oxygen levels in the eye, we might be able to predict who will develop glaucoma.”
To explore this idea, the researchers used a mix of 3D computer modeling and special fluorescent dyes to trace blood flow in the eye. Their tests showed that even slightly elevated eye pressure can twist blood vessels and reduce oxygen—a condition called hypoxia. In severe cases, about 30% of the lamina cribrosa area experienced low oxygen.
“Short-term increases in eye pressure, like rubbing your eyes, are usually not harmful,” explained Dr. Ian Sigal, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. “But pressure that remains high for weeks, months, or years can do serious and permanent damage.”
Previous studies have shown that high eye pressure is linked with glaucoma, but this new research explains how the damage actually occurs. By using advanced imaging and modeling, the researchers could clearly see how blood flow and oxygen levels are affected over time.
The only current treatment for glaucoma is to reduce eye pressure. But Hua says that’s not always enough. “Some patients continue to lose vision even after we lower their eye pressure. That’s why we need new ways to treat and prevent the disease,” he said.
The researchers hope their findings will lead to new treatments that protect blood flow and oxygen supply in the eye.
They also stress the importance of regular eye exams—especially for people at higher risk of glaucoma. These include people with high blood pressure or diabetes, those with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals who are Black or Latino.
“We want more people to understand that high eye pressure matters,” Hua said. “Just like high blood pressure, it can be a silent risk factor with serious consequences.”
If you care about eye health, please read studies about how vitamin B may help fight vision loss, and MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease.
For more information about eye disease, please see recent studies about how to protect your eyes from glaucoma, and results showing this eye surgery may reduce dementia risk.
The study is published in Ophthalmology Science.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
