6 Ways to Prevent Glaucoma

Half of the people with glaucoma don’t know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss and blindness, is often discovered with a comprehensive eye exam. The disease slowly damages the eye’s optic nerve, and those with glaucoma typically lose vision before they notice problems with their eyes.
Eye care professionals don’t yet know how to stop glaucoma from developing. Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent serious vision loss and blindness.
1. Visit your eye doctor regularly for eye exams. This helps find the disease in its earliest stages.
2. Tell your eye doctor about your medications, especially if you are taking steroids or blood pressure prescriptions. Steroids can raise your eye pressure, especially if you have glaucoma. If you take blood pressure medicine at night, or if you have low blood pressure symptoms, tell your eye doctor. If your blood pressure drops too low during sleep, it can worsen glaucoma damage.
3. Eat healthy foods every day, including leafy green vegetables and colored fruits, berries, and vegetables. Vitamins and minerals in these foods protect your body, especially your eyes.
4. Watch your exercise. Raising your heart rate from intensive exercise also raises your eye pressure. Stick to walking and moderate exercise.
Protect your eyes from injury. Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Always wear protective eyewear during sports or while working on your home and in your yard.
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your doctor may recommend treatment ranging from prescription eye drops to laser treatments or surgery.
For more information on Coastal Jersey Eye Center, eye exams, or to schedule an appointment, please call their Linwood office, (609) 927-3373, or their Court House office, (609) 465-7926. Visit them online at www.coastaljerseyeye.com.