10 Things to Do Today to Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious, common eye condition that can cause significant vision loss if not detected and treated promptly. However, there are actions you can take today to prevent or slow down the progression of this disease.
 

What Causes Glaucoma?

The causes of glaucoma aren't always straightforward. Some people develop the condition due to high pressure in their eyes, a condition known as ocular hypertension. However, it's possible to have glaucoma with normal eye pressure, indicating that other factors are at play. These might include reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, a family history of the disease, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, or even severe eye injuries.
 

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma usually develop gradually, often unnoticed until the disease has progressed significantly. In its open-angle form— the most common type— symptoms include patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision, frequently in both eyes and tunnel vision in the advanced stages. 
 

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, a less common form, includes symptoms such as severe headache, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and eye redness.
 

Ten Things to Do Today to Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma

Now that we’ve comprehended the causes and symptoms of glaucoma, let's speak about ten things to prevent this eye disease. 

1. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams, as they are key in detecting the disease in its early stages. 
2. Know your family's glaucoma history since it can be hereditary. 
3. Exercise regularly to help reduce eye pressure.
4. Use prescribed eye drops regularly, even when you have no symptoms. 
5. Wear protective eyewear to avoid eye injuries, which can lead to glaucoma. 
6. Take prescribed glaucoma medication religiously. 
7. Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. 
8. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as it can increase eye pressure. 
9. Sleep with your head elevated to help reduce eye pressure. 
10. 10. Do not smoke as it increases the risk of glaucoma and other health-related issues.

The Importance of Regular Follow-ups with Your Eye Doctor

Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor are vital for glaucoma prevention. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your eye health and detect any potential issues early. Early detection of glaucoma can significantly improve the outcome and help prevent vision loss.
 

During these visits, your doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam, which includes measuring your intraocular pressure, inspecting your eye's drainage angle, checking for optic nerve damage, and testing your peripheral vision.
 

Your doctor will also monitor glaucoma treatment progress. Glaucoma medications can help reduce high eye pressure and prevent optic nerve damage. If you have trouble remembering to take your medication or experience side effects, talk to your doctor about potential solutions.
 

Take the Proactive Approach to Glaucoma Prevention

Proactive prevention is the best approach to avert glaucoma and its associated vision loss. This includes understanding the causes and symptoms of glaucoma, making lifestyle changes, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, adhering to prescribed medications, protecting your eyes, and having regular check-ups with your eye doctor. By taking these steps today, you can reduce your risk of developing glaucoma in the future.
 

To learn more about glaucoma and prevention strategies, visit Creekside Family Eyecare in The Woodlands, Texas. Call 832-559-3861 to schedule an appointment today.