In recent years, people have become more involved in their medical care and treatment options. They want to play an active role in deciding what types of treatments, medication, exercises, and food they should eat to help address current conditions and reduce risks for others.
It is important to point out when looking for ways to prevent glaucoma, there really is not any one proven method. What works for one person may not work for another. In addition, if there is a family history of glaucoma, there is still a good chance it will develop later in life too.
Yet, there can be things you can do to help lower intraocular pressure on the eye and help maintain proper eye fluid drainage. Having blocked drainage channels is one of the primary symptoms of glaucoma.
Glaucoma: Diet and Exercise
There has been nothing definite in the way of research related to diet and glaucoma. However, you should still attempt to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. There has been research into Omega-3s that shows they can be good for overall eye health.
Gingko biloba may also help since it helps with blood flow. Yet, this supplement can have interactions with various medications, so it may not be right for you. It is essential to talk to your doctor first before taking any supplements, including gingko biloba.
Aerobic exercise—walking, jogging, running, etc.—has been found to help lower intraocular pressure on the eye. With weightlifting exercises, it is important to avoid any lifting that places your head lower than your heart. When the head is lower than the heart, pressure on the eye increases, and this is not good if you have glaucoma.
Yoga can also be beneficial as long as you do not do any of the poses that place the head below the heart. Any of the head-down positions should be avoided because they increase pressure in the eye.
Certain habits like using tobacco products, recreational marijuana, and consuming alcohol should be avoided. Drinking caffeinated beverages should also be limited. These types of habits can increase blood pressure, which increases intraocular eye pressure.
How to Prevent Glaucoma from Worsening
Most people do not realize that how to prevent glaucoma from worsening will require medical intervention. There are no natural cures that will prevent the progression of the disease. If glaucoma is not treated, vision loss will continue and can lead to blindness.
Medications can help improve fluid drainage and relieve pressure. Eye drops are put into the eye multiple times each day. If you don’t think you can stick to using the eye drops as prescribed, your other option is laser eye surgery.
Glaucoma surgery is quick and has a fast recovery time. It unblocks the trabecular meshwork—the draining channels in the eyes—and restores fluid drainage and lowers intraocular pressure. In some cases, both medications and laser eye surgery can be beneficial.
Once treated, vision loss from glaucoma will no longer worsen. However, regular visits to an ophthalmologist are vital to monitor the disease.
To find out if you may have glaucoma or to find out about laser eye surgery, please feel free to contact ADV Vision Centers at (805) 987-5300 today! We have locations in Paso Robles, Santa Maria, and San Luis Obispo.