[{"document_url": "http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/what-foods-can-cause-high-eye-pressure-12205456.html", "unformatted_src": "images/left_arrow.png", "src": "https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/images/left_arrow.png", "formatted_filename": "left arrow"}, null, {"document_url": "http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/what-foods-can-cause-high-eye-pressure-12205456.html", "unformatted_src": "http://photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/97/101/89691937_XS.jpg", "src": "http://photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/97/101/89691937_XS.jpg", "formatted_filename": "XS"}, {"document_url": "http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/what-foods-can-cause-high-eye-pressure-12205456.html", "unformatted_src": "images/right_arrow.png", "src": "https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/images/right_arrow.png", "formatted_filename": "right arrow"}, null, {"document_url": "http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/what-foods-can-cause-high-eye-pressure-12205456.html", "unformatted_src": "http://photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/165/47/95355407.jpg", "src": "http://photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/165/47/95355407.jpg"}, null, {"document_url": "http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/what-foods-can-cause-high-eye-pressure-12205456.html", "unformatted_src": "//img-aws.ehowcdn.com/560x560/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/178/199/87829047.jpg", "src": "http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/560x560/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/178/199/87829047.jpg", "alt_text": "A man holds his head in pain."}, null]
An Explanation of Why You Should Limit Your Oil & Sugar ... Danger of Sesame Seeds What Foods Can Cause High Eye Pressure?

by Heidi Maines 
Are you experiencing eye pain or high eye pressure? If so, this could be due to your diet. Those with high eye pain and pressure should pay special attention to what they eat and the amount they eat. Studies have shown that certain foods can cause people to have pain or pressure in their eyes within 24 hours of eating a specific substance.

Types of food

According to Harold C. Lee, author of "Keeping Eyes Healthy and Bright with Chimotherapy, "observational studies indicate cholesterol-rich foods, oily dishes and very sweet foods may cause canthus congestion or even light canthus hemorrhage, or even high eye pressure." These include candy, soda and many other foods and drinks. Sweet fruits such as strawberries have also been shown to increase eye pain. Lee explains that those who have already suffered from eye pain will experience more severe and long-lasting eye pain when consuming such foods and drinks.


Lee states that if one is to eat a large amount of high-sugar food or food that is quite high in fat, they could experience sharp eye pain as early as 24 hours after consuming these foods. Furthering his claim, he states, "as triglycerides (from these foods) may be deposited in the artery walls, they may independently increase the risk of coronary heart diseases as well as the risk of drainage blockage in the eye."


As Lee explains, it is important to stay away from such foods and drinks as chocolate, or even coffee, as they cause high eye pressure. Any other food that contains large amounts of sugar or fat should also be avoided. Small amounts of these foods are fine as long as they are balanced with more bland foods or green foods. Studies have shown that the eye pain associated with these high-fat and sugary foods can last several days.


As is the case with many disorders or health problems, one must monitor their food intake and exactly what they are eating. To prevent high eye pressure, Lee suggests alternating between high- and low-cholesterol diets. He explains that one must drink plenty of water and broth from stew or soups to also help lessen high eye pressure. Simply, "do not frequently eat foods with heavy stimulants or spices, nor drink too many stimulating drinks," states Lee.

Further Considerations

Foods rich in vitamin C can also help prevent high eye pressure. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and juices. According to Lee, taking "vitamin E and bilberry pills every day always helps." Lee does not suggest completely cutting sweets and fatty foods out of your diet, but explains that you must limit these types of food. Watch what you eat and how much you eat! By eating healthy, your eyes will benefit greatly.



Heidi Maines has a master's degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She has published in the "Journal of Dermatology for Physician Assistants" and interned as a sports copy editor at "The Syracuse Post-Standard." Maines worked as a copywriter for an online publishing company called Virtucom Group, and was promoted to assistant editor, her current position.



