Is There a Way to Prevent Glaucoma?
- Posted on: Dec 15 2023
Glaucoma is not preventable, but you do not have to feel hopeless. Although there is no way to cure the disease, there are ways to manage your symptoms and protect your vision through glaucoma treatment.
Understanding Glaucoma Conditions
Contrary to popular belief, glaucoma is not a singular condition. It is a series of eye diseases that can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. All types of glaucoma attack the eye’s most important messenger: the optic nerve.
The optic nerve sends messages to your brain through electrical signals. The brain interprets these sensory signals as images, which creates vision.
Depending on the type of glaucoma you have, your symptoms may be different, and treatment options will also vary.
Types of Glauoma
There are two types of glaucoma: primary and secondary.
A primary glaucoma occurs on its own and is not related to another medical condition.
On the other hand, secondary glaucoma is caused by another health issue, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Is Glaucoma Preventable?
While there is no definitive way to prevent glaucoma, some lifestyle modifications may help. Eating eye-healthy foods, such as leafy greens and plenty of fruit, can nourish the eyes and even work more effectively than vitamins to prevent glaucoma.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, additional steps to take include:
- Scheduling regular eye exams, especially if you have a higher risk of glaucoma.
- Letting your eye doctor know if you are taking steroid medications.
- Choosing light and moderate exercise over intense workouts.
- Always wearing protective eyewear when appropriate.
- Not sleeping with your eye on a pillow or your arm.
- Receiving treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Maintaining good oral health to prevent gum disease, which has been linked to a higher risk of glaucoma.
How to Prevent Glaucoma Vision Loss
There are not often obvious signs of glaucoma until it begins affecting your vision. For this reason, the best form of glaucoma prevention is an annual dilated eye exam. During this assessment, your eye doctor can detect various eye diseases early on. They can also measure your interocular pressure (IOP), one of the leading risk factors of the disease.
As for treatment, prescription eye drops can help prevent serious complications from glaucoma. In other cases, patients may undergo surgery or laser treatment to protect their eyesight. Early intervention is key to protecting your eyes.
Schedule a Glaucoma Eye Exam
At The Eye Clinic P.C., we specialize in helping patients manage their glaucoma symptoms and prevent vision loss. If you are looking for an eye doctor in Portland, OR, please call our office at 503-297-4718, or visit our contact page.
Posted in: Glaucoma
