10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Prevent Glaucoma
You may be surprised to learn that glaucoma is not a singular condition. Instead, it refers to a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve and impair your vision. Therefore, glaucoma prevention should be a priority for everyone. Keep reading to learn helpful tips to prevent glaucoma.
First things first, what causes glaucoma? Glaucoma may develop as a result of numerous factors. Two of the most common underlying conditions are increased eye pressure and damage to the blood vessels that supply the eye’s optic nerve. In addition, some people are more likely to develop glaucoma because of genetics, age, injury, or certain health conditions.
9 Tips for Preventing Glaucoma
Whether in your 30s or 60s, these tips make it easy to incorporate glaucoma prevention into your daily life.
1. Add Leafy Greens to Your Diet
Research suggests that a diet rich in leafy greens may reduce your risk of glaucoma. This is because of the high levels of nitrate found in leafy greens. Your body converts nitrate to nitric oxide, which is important in maintaining proper blood flow to your eyes.
2. Take a Multivitamin
Add a multivitamin to your daily routine to boost your vitamin intake. Doing so may improve blood circulation and increase the nutrients available to your eyes. Even better, try incorporating as many whole fruits and vegetables into your diet as possible to get plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
3. Get Some Exercise
Moderate exercise has been shown to lower eye pressure, increase circulation, and decrease your risk of developing glaucoma. Remember, regular exercise is necessary to maintain lower eye pressure.
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking decreases blood flow to your eyes and increases your risk of glaucoma. And the more you smoke every day, the higher your risk.
5. Wear Sunglasses Outside
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, damaging your optic nerve. They are great to wear year-long and even in winter!
6. Protect Your Eyes During Sports
The sun isn’t the only thing that can damage your eyes and cause glaucoma. Always wear protective eye gear while playing sports to prevent traumatic eye injuries that can lead to secondary glaucoma.
7. Never Skip Your Eye Exam
Early detection is paramount when it comes to glaucoma. Annual eye exams allow your optometrist to catch the early signs of glaucoma before it starts to affect your vision.
8. Take Your Prescribed Medications
If you have mild glaucoma or are at risk of developing glaucoma, you may be prescribed eye drops or medication. You must take them as prescribed to delay the onset of glaucoma and prevent vision loss.
9. Start Glaucoma Prevention Early
The best way to prevent glaucoma is to get serious about prevention as early as possible. This is especially true if you have a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors that make you more likely to develop the disease.
Prevent Glaucoma With Yearly Exams at Looking Glass Optical
Looking Glass Optical provides comprehensive care to keep your eyes healthy through every stage of life. So whether you’re due for your eye exam or want to learn more about preventing glaucoma, give us a call today.
