The following measures can help you prevent glaucoma, which is important to prevent vision loss or slow its progression.
Have regular eye exams with dilation.
Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma early, before significant damage has occurred. As a general rule, try to have a comprehensive eye exam every five to ten years if you are under 40, every two to four years if you are between 40 and 54, every one to three years if you are between the ages of 55 and 64 and every one to two years if you are over 65. If you are at risk for glaucoma, you will need to be screened more frequently. Ask your doctor to recommend the screening schedule that is right for you.
Know your family’s eye health history.
Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you are at increased risk, you may need to be screened more frequently.
Exercise safely
Regular, moderate exercise can help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.
Take the prescribed eye drops regularly.
Eye drops for glaucoma can significantly reduce the risk of ocular hypertension progressing to glaucoma. To be effective, eye drops prescribed by your doctor must be used regularly, even if you have no symptoms.
Wear protective eyewear
Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear protective eyewear when using power tools or when playing high-speed racquet sports on enclosed grounds.
Here are some lifestyle strategies to control hypertension and promote eye health
Adopt a healthy diet
Although a healthy diet won’t prevent glaucoma from getting worse, several vitamins and nutrients are important for eye health, including zinc, copper, selenium, and the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E.
Limit your caffeine intake
Consuming beverages containing large amounts of caffeine can increase your eye pressure.
Drink fluids frequently
Drink only moderate amounts of fluids at any time during the day. Drinking a liter or more of a liquid in a short time can temporarily increase eye pressure.
Sleep with your head elevated
Using a wedge pillow that keeps your head slightly elevated at around 20 degrees has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure while you sleep.
Natural approaches that help prevent the occurrence of glaucoma
Some alternative medicine approaches can help your overall health, but none is an effective cure for glaucoma. Talk to your doctor about their benefits and possible risks.
herbal remedies
Some herbal supplements, like bilberry extract, have been touted as cures for glaucoma. But more studies are needed to prove their effectiveness. Do not use herbal supplements in place of proven therapies.
relaxation techniques
Stress can trigger an attack of acute angle-closure glaucoma. If you are at risk, find healthy ways to manage your stress. Meditation and other techniques can help.
