5 Things to Know About Glaucoma

Your eyes are fragile organs, yet it’s easy to take them for granted until there’s a problem. One such potential problem is glaucoma, an eye condition that occurs from damage to the optic nerve in your eye.

The condition can worsen over time, usually triggered by an increase in pressure inside your eye. Generally, glaucoma runs in families, and it tends to develop later in life.

Here are five important things to know about this health condition.

Glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness and visual loss 

This condition has an unpleasant nickname of “the silent blinder”. A build-up of fluid in your eye due to glaucoma can create pressure that can harm the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals to your brain. Thankfully, with early identification and treatment, you can save your vision.

Anyone can get glaucoma

Glaucoma may affect anyone. A rare form of early onset glaucoma can impact infants and children, while it’s more common in people over the age of 45. Some people are more at risk than others, including: 

• Nearsighted or far-sighted 

• People with already poor vision

• People who take steroid drugs

• People who regularly take over-the-counter cold medication or medication for seizures or bladder control

• Those who have had previous eye damage 

• People with a thinner-than-normal cornea

• People with sickle-cell anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes

There are no warning signs

Unfortunately, glaucoma doesn’t usually present with obvious warning signs, such as pain or discomfort. There usually isn’t eyesight blurring and only far-advanced glaucoma will damage your eyesight. So, it’s a good idea to visit the optometrist as soon as you feel any pressure in your eyes. Also, keep up with regular eyesight checks even if your eyes feel fine. 

There’s only one way to find out if you have glaucoma

The only way to know if you have glaucoma is to have a thorough dilated eye exam. Your eyes will be dilated with drops during the exam while the doctor searches for signs of the disease in the optic nerve.

Glaucoma treatment involves lowering eye pressure

Some medications reduce the amount of fluid produced by the eye. Others help the fluid flow from the eye, which lowers pressure. If glaucoma medicines and laser treatment haven’t helped treat your glaucoma, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery can’t cure glaucoma or undo vision loss, but it can help protect your vision and stop it from deteriorating further.

Protect your eyesight 

When it comes to your diet, try to eat lutein-rich foods. This is a nutrient known for supporting eye health. According to research, a high lutein consumption can prevent age-related vision loss and cataracts and help manage your symptoms if you already have these disorders. Most fruits and vegetables contain lutein, although the largest levels are found in green and yellow foods. As a fat-soluble vitamin, your body absorbs lutein better when it’s prepared or eaten with a healthy fat like olive oil. Find lutein in spinach, kale, corn, bell peppers, Romaine lettuce, eggs and parsley. 

Good to know

• You will need regular screenings if you’re at risk for glaucoma. 

• Be mindful of your screen use and take regular breaks from the computer, cellphone screens and TV. 

• Wear sunglasses when out in bright sunlight. 

• Use eye drops if you’re prone to dry eyes. The chance that high eye pressure may develop into glaucoma can be considerably decreased using glaucoma eye drops. Even if you are symptom-free, use eye drops as directed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.