Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, and reducing intraocular pressure decreases the risk of optic nerve damage.

Study: The Prophylactic Effect of Dexmedetomidine 0.008% Versus Brimonidine 0.2% on IOP Elevation After Nd: YAG Laser Capsulotomy

This study showed that one eye drop (brimonidine) successfully lowered eye pressure after laser treatment, while another (dexmedetomidine) didn’t and even caused dangerous pressure spikes. Since high eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, this supports the idea that lowering pressure helps protect the nerve.

Study: Effect of intraocular pressure control on visual field progression in the HORIZON trial.

Lowering eye pressure over time helps protect the nerve behind the eye from damage, and this study showed that a device that reduces pressure slowed vision loss by nearly half. When researchers looked at long-term pressure levels, the benefit of the device disappeared — proving pressure reduction was the key.

Study: Systems genetics identifies a role for Cacna2d1 regulation in elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma susceptibility

This study found that a special eye drop can lower eye pressure in mice, and lower eye pressure is known to protect the nerve in the back of the eye. So yes, lowering eye pressure helps prevent damage.

Study: ANGPTL7, a therapeutic target for increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma

When people have a broken version of a specific gene called ANGPTL7, their eye pressure goes down, and they’re less likely to get glaucoma. In mice, turning off this gene also lowered eye pressure, showing that targeting this gene can protect the optic nerve.