3 Everyday Tips That Help Fight Glaucoma
Posted on: 6 January 2015
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According to the CDC, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Glaucoma strikes without warning and so it can be hard to know when to seek attention from your eye doctor. Your eye is nourished by a fluid called aqueous that carries nutrients; when you are stricken with glaucoma, the fluid can no longer drain from the eye. This throws off the pressure in your eyeball that allows you to see properly, leading to damage to the optic nerve. With the help of a medical professional (such as those from Leader Heights Eye Center), you can treat glaucoma before it completely takes away your vision. You can also take steps with your diet and lifestyle to help decrease the symptoms. Here are three everyday tips that help fight glaucoma.
Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Eating well impacts your health. You can also eat with the goal to improve your eyesight and to help ward off the effects of glaucoma. You should eat a diet of food that is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and E. Eating foods that are rich in these nutrients help to word off degeneration of ocular tissues, especially as you age. Foods that are good for your eye health can be found in abundance and include tomatoes, eggs, kale, oranges, and non-meat based proteins such as nuts and beans.
Avoid smoking cigarettes to keep your eyes healthy.
Cigarette smoking is linked to many negative health factors. Smoking can also cause your eyes to become unhealthy due to its negative effects on blood pressure; thus, smoking cigarettes is linked with increased incidence of glaucoma. Ask your doctor for help with smoking cessation programs. There are many methods available to help you, including nicotine patches and gum, psychological counseling, and support groups.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Stay hydrated in order to keep your eyes healthy and to reduce the negative effects of glaucoma. You should drink small quantities of water over a long period of time versus drinking large quantities of water in a short amount of time. Habitually drinking a large amount of water in a short amount of time can increase intra-ocular pressure too quickly, leading to further complications for your optic nerve. Instead, space out your water drinking throughout the day. A great way to remember to drink a glass of water is to do so after you have eaten a snack or a meal.