Things You Can Do Now to Help Prevent Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages your optic nerve that is responsible for carrying visual information from the eyes to the brain. Glaucoma is the leading cause of loss of sight in the United States of America. If left untreated, you may experience total blindness.

 

Early detection before permanent damage is one of the biggest challenges in treating glaucoma. Most individuals who develop the conditions do not have pain or early warning signs. Thus, the best form of getting an early diagnosis is through regular comprehensive eye examinations. The condition can cause severe loss of vision.

 

A skilled ophthalmologist can help detect the early onset of the condition. Below are the things you can do to prevent glaucoma.

 

Go for Regular Eye Exams

Comprehensive eye exams help your doctor diagnose glaucoma. Early diagnosis helps avoid permanent damage to your optic nerve. 

During the eye exam, your eye doctor can do a glaucoma screening. Doing so will help assess your optic nerve and ocular pressure. Your ophthalmologist will also screen to examine the drainage angles of the eyes and peripheral vision.

Early detection with treatment maintains vision in most patients. Individuals with known risk factors should schedule their eye exams based on their age, as follows:

 

• Before the age of 40, after every two to four years
   

• From the age of 40 to 54, after one to three years
   

• From the age of 55 to 64, every one to two years
   

• After the age of 65 and above, every six to 12 months
  
   

If your doctor considers you at high risk, you need to heed their recommendations on how often to schedule your eye examinations.

 

Protect Your Eyes to Avoid Eye Injury

Severe eye injuries can cause early glaucoma onset. An injury can cause permanent changes in the structure of your eye, which may cause glaucoma development later in life. 

 

Ideally, you wear eye protection to avoid eye injuries. Do so when participating in activities, such as contact sports or working in the yard at home.

 

Eat a Healthy Diet

It is essential to eat foods that benefit your eye health. A diet filled with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin E helps maintain your ocular health. Below are some meals that can boost your eye health:

 

• Nuts and sunflower seeds

• Raw red peppers

• Dark, leafy greens

• Salmon

• Sweet potatoes

• Poultry and lean meat

• Legumes and beans

• Eggs

• Squash

• Brussel sprouts and broccoli
  
   

You should also avoid eating foods rich in caffeine, salt, or sugar. Proper nutrition helps prevent eye-related diseases, as well as other health issues.

 

Exercise Regularly 

Regular exercises help lower ocular pressure and your risk of glaucoma. Studies show that exercising three times a week improves cardiovascular functions and circulation. As a result, your eyes receive more oxygen, reducing the risk of eye diseases.

 

Exercise benefits can last if you remain consistent with your workouts. Your doctor may advise you if you have concerns or questions about your exercise program.

 

Quit Smoking

Studies show that tobacco smokers are at a high risk of getting eye conditions such as glaucoma. Quitting may not be easy, but you can do it if you want to stop. Ask for help from your doctor if you need help to stop smoking.


 

For more about preventing glaucoma, contact Advanced Vision Institute at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can call (702) 819-9800 today to schedule an appointment.