What You Need to Know About Glaucoma – Spread the Word!

Did you know that more than 3 million people in the United States have Glaucoma? The month of January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to spread the word and learn all about this widespread vision disease.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affects your vision and is often caused by high pressure in your eyes. The two primary forms include open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Both forms result in increased eye pressure and increased damage to your eyes leading to possible loss of vision.

Glaucoma typically produces symptoms at a much later stage in the disease, while some forms present with no symptoms at all, making it essential to know about your eye health as soon as possible. Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age however, those who are most at risk include:

• African Americans over 40 years old
• People over age 60, especially those of Mexican descent
• People with a family history of Glaucoma

Early Detection and Prevention

Eye health is an important part of your overall health and should be monitored regularly. Currently, there is no cure for Glaucoma but surgery and/or medication that can help slow down or prevent further vision loss. Knowing your risk and scheduling regular ophthalmologists appointments are key.

• Get a comprehensive eye exam– The ophthalmologists uses a special kind of magnifying glass during this eye exam to examine the back of your eye to check for damage or potential problems. This is a great way for early detection. For those already diagnosed with Glaucoma, it is recommended to get this exam every 1-2 years.

• Know your family history- Glaucoma is known to run in families. Knowing your family history can help you detect your level of risk early on.

• Eye protection- Wear eye protection regularly, including safety goggles and sunglasses. Serious injury to your eyes may lead to glaucoma.

3 Lifestyle and Nutrition Tips to Promote Eye Health

Taking the necessary steps to maintain your eye health through early detection and proper nutrition are great ways to not only spread awareness but, also manage your symptoms. There are some lifestyle modifications that you can make to keep your eyes healthy!

1. Adequate diet- Maintaining a diet consisting of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can help maintain your health. Whole foods may not prevent the severity of glaucoma, but vitamins A, C, and E provide antioxidants to help promote eye health along with minerals zinc, copper, and selenium.

2. Limit caffeine- Large amounts of caffeine may increase eye pressure ultimately increasing your risk of glaucoma.

3. Exercise safely- Exercising regularly has been shown to reduce eye pressure which can help prevent glaucoma.

Whether you have glaucoma, know someone who does, or were completely unaware of the disease, it is important to take preventive steps to not only reduce your risk but also spread the word. Glaucoma is common, but manageable. Make your eye health a priority this new year!

Your Turn to Action: Which ways are you going to help spread awareness about glaucoma? Let me know in the comment section below!

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