The American Glaucoma Society says that glaucoma is a slow-working eye disease. It deteriorates your optic nerve. Glaucoma has no cure. Its prevention should be the top priority. If you want to find out the top 10 ways to ward off this eye condition, here’s what you should know.

 

1. Exercise With Care

Strenuous exercises tend to increase your blood pressure and heart rate. They also raise your IOP (intraocular pressure). Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, can lower your IOP. Lifting weights is alright, but you should have an experienced trainer with you.

 

2. Have Regular Eye Checks

Keeping your routine eye check appointments enables your eye doctor to catch early signs of glaucoma. Once the signs are present, your eye doctor will start your early treatment. Watching the progression of this eye disease is important. Taking your medications is ideal for slowing down the signs and symptoms.

3. Speak to Your Eye Doctor About Your Steroid Medication

Long-term steroid medication can elevate your IOP. The same thing happens when you take it in high dosages for a short period. This medication worsens glaucoma. It applies to topical and oral steroid medication.

4. Prevent Eye Injuries

Always protect your eyes from potential injury. Eye injuries often lead to glaucoma. Wearing protective goggles while doing manual work outdoors can do the job. It is also helpful to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes while working outside the home, at a laboratory, or in a workshop.

5. Choose the Right Foods

Adding more colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet can help improve your eye health. These foods have important minerals and vitamins for protecting your optical and body health.

6. Keep Your Head Above Your Heart

A prolonged head-down position directs blood flow to your head. This increases your IOP. Avoiding gravity boots, inversion tables, and certain yoga positions can help keep your IOP within a normal range.

7. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Research shows that gum disease contributes to optic nerve damage. Proper oral care can help slow down the progression of glaucoma. Brushing at least two times a day and flossing before bed can keep oral infections at bay. Keeping your dental appointments helps elevate your oral health as well.

8. Develop a Healthy Sleeping Position

Sleeping face down on a pillow or on your arm can put pressure on your eyes. People with OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) have a high risk of developing glaucoma. Treatments for OSA can help slow down glaucoma.

9. Disclose Your Use of Blood Pressure Medications

A low drop in blood pressure, while you sleep, can make your glaucoma worse. Tell your eye doctor if you take blood pressure medications. Your eye doctor can then discuss it with your attending physician.

10. Wear Proper Sun Protection for Your Eyes

Research shows that ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a variant of glaucoma. Shielding your eyes from intense UV rays helps slow down the progression of glaucoma. Polarized sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection are effective. Wearing a hat can add to your eye protection.

Glaucoma is a slow-working eye disease. At Eastside Eye Physicians, we encourage our patients to have regular eye checks. This is an effective way to spot early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma. Please visit our clinics in St. Clair Shores and Shelby Township, Michigan, for an in-person consultation. For appointment scheduling or inquiries about our glaucoma treatment packages, please call us at 586-200-1905 (St. Clair Shores) or 586-247-2020 (Shelby Township).