Intro
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss. It is estimated that over 60 million people in the world suffer from glaucoma and around 3 million of them are blind due to this disease.
To protect your eyesight, it’s important to take measures to prevent glaucoma or at least slow its progression.
In this article, we will discuss eight habits you should incorporate into your lifestyle if you want to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma or keep it under control if you already have it.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which connects the eyeball to the brain.
As the damage progresses, it can lead to vision loss and even blindness. It is important to catch any glaucoma symptoms early in order to prevent further damage from occurring.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can make you go blind. It happens when there is damage to the optic nerve, which connects your eyeball to your brain.
If it’s not treated early, it can cause vision loss and even blindness.
1. Regular Eye Exams
Having regular comprehensive eye exams is one of the most important steps a person can take to prevent glaucoma.
Eye exams allow your optometrist or ophthalmologist to measure your intraocular pressure, check for signs of damage to the optic nerve, and look for any other potential issues that could lead to glaucoma.
If caught early, glaucoma can be managed successfully with medications and lifestyle changes.
Changes in vision, such as blurriness or haziness in one eye, can be a sign of glaucoma.
Monitor any changes in your vision and report them to your doctor immediately.
Regular visits with an optometrist or ophthalmologist are important for early detection and treatment of glaucoma.
2. Eating a Healthy Diet
Eating foods filled with vitamins and antioxidants helps to keep your eyes healthy.
Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats will help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lutein can also help to prevent glaucoma.
3. Quitting Smoking
Smoking increases a person’s risk of developing glaucoma as well as other eye diseases.
Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma or slowing its progression.
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
Studies have found that smokers are up to three times more likely to develop primary open-angle glaucoma than non-smokers. Smoking can increase the risk of
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4. Wearing UV Protective Eyewear
Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important step in preventing glaucoma.
Wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays when outdoors can help reduce the risk of developing glaucoma by providing protection against free radical damage caused by the sun.
5. Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can increase a person’s risk of developing glaucoma, as it impairs vision and increases intraocular pressure.
Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day is recommended for those at risk of developing glaucoma or who already have the condition.
6. Maintaining a Healthy Weight and Exercise Routine
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing glaucoma. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise can help reduce this risk.
Regular physical activity has also been found to lower intraocular pressure, which can be beneficial for those with glaucoma. Read more on the relationship between exercise and glaucoma here.
7. Try Incorporating Supplements
Certain dietary supplements may help reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.
Taking a multivitamin with zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids daily can help protect your eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
Additionally, some studies have found that supplements containing magnesium, vitamin C and E may help reduce intraocular pressure in those with glaucoma.
Conclusion
By following these habits, you can lower your risk of developing glaucoma or slow its progression if you already have the condition.
It is important to note that while incorporating these habits may help reduce glaucoma risk, it is still important to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
By doing so, you can ensure that any changes in your vision are properly monitored and treated.