Glaucoma and How to Prevent It

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Eye Care

Glaucoma and How to Prevent It

February 10, 2023

Glaucoma is one of the most common diseases that can cause vision loss. It affects more than 3 million people in the US alone, although it is thought that nearly half of patients do not know they have it. Keep reading to learn how to recognize it and what you can do to prevent it.

Glaucoma is one of the most common diseases that can cause vision loss. It affects more than 3 million people in the US alone, although it is thought that nearly half of patients do not know they have it. Keep reading to learn how to recognize it and what you can do to prevent it.

Glaucoma is a disease that happens when the fluid that normally nourishes the eye and keeps it healthy builds up in the eyeball. When drainage is blocked and the fluid cannot get out, it builds up and causes increased pressure in the eye. The two main types of glaucoma are open‑angle glaucoma (the most common type) and closed‑angle glaucoma.

At the start, glaucoma does not cause any symptoms. The person can see well and does not feel pain. However, as it progresses, they start to notice their peripheral vision getting worse. In other words, they can see well when they look forward, but not when they look to the side. As it continues to progress, their field of vision reduces until the person becomes blind.

Based on scientific evidence, glaucoma is five times more common in people of African American descent than in Caucasians. It is also four times more likely to cause blindness—and 15 times more likely if we only take into account the age range of 45 to 65. Additionally, it is more common in people with a family history of glaucoma.

Various scientific studies have shown that early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes serious vision loss, are the best way to manage this disease. If you belong to one of the groups that has a higher risk of developing glaucoma, make sure you go to the eye doctor and have an eye exam that includes pupil dilation every two years.

Open‑angle glaucoma cannot be cured, but in most cases it can be managed with eyedrops or pills that relieve pressure within the eye, as this reduces the speed at which fluid enters. Foods and other preventive strategies can also help:

Carrots are perhaps the food most associated with vision benefits. Specialists say that this is because it is rich in beta‑carotene, a compound that helps slow macular degeneration and prevent eye dryness, night blindness, eye infection, and glaucoma.

Chard, spinach, watercress, broccoli, and asparagus all contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds related to vitamin A and beta‑carotene. Scientific evidence shows that they can protect the eye tissue from sun damage and lower the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Vitamin D and omega‑3 fatty acids are two other compounds that are essential for protecting your eyes from diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. They can help prevent swelling and promote ocular nerve function. These compounds can be found in high quantities in fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout.

Lemons, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit are all citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C, an important antioxidant that can help lower the risk of certain vision disorders, like glaucoma and cataracts. Strawberries are another vitamin C‑rich option, and camu camu is the fruit with the highest level of this nutrient.

This doesn’t just involve sleeping for the recommended number of hours (between six and eight). It also means sleeping in pleasant conditions (cool environments), on a regular schedule, and away from screens. Several studies have shown that this helps you get better rest and relax your eyes, boosting your circulation.

Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your vision. And although they are independent factors, one way to do this is by regularly monitoring your blood pressure, to avoid it from getting too high. Remember to limit or eliminate processed products with added salt, and get enough potassium.

In addition to limiting the amount of time you spend in front of screens and giving your eyes a break every 40 or 45 minutes, health care professionals think that, just like how you exercise your muscles, you should exercise your eyes. Try out different directions and points without moving your head. This can help promote drainage of fluid and toxins.

American Academy of Ophthalmology; National Library of Medicine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Eye Institute; Natural Medicines.Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a weekly email with information on health and wellness topics.