We have all heard about glaucoma, but what exactly is it? Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes severe damage. It has to do with improper pressure inside of our eyes which gradually leads to damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve helps transmit the information that is gathered from our eyes to our brain for further interpretation. This explains why the worst damage that glaucoma can cause is total vision loss.

Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be moderated, stopped, and slowed down if it is early discovered and treated with proper care and professionalism. We will provide you with some glaucoma risk factors and ways to prevent its occurrence or further development.

Risk Factors

There are many types of glaucoma out there and each of them is shown by different symptoms and appears because of different reasons. For some glaucoma conditions, the causes aren’t even known yet. Glaucoma is a genetically transmitted condition. Having a close relative with glaucoma is definitely a high-risk factor for anyone. Another risk factor is age; people who are above 60 years old have significantly more chances of having glaucoma. Also consider doing more frequent check-ups if you have eye pressure problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, eye injuries, a previous eye surgery, severe farsightedness or nearsightedness, corticosteroid medications (eye drops fit in this category) and if you have thin corneas.

Regular Checkups

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Going to your regular doctor visits cannot do you any harm. Glaucoma can be detected in its early stages by doing dilated eye exams. It is recommended that you do these every two to four years if you are under 40; every one to three years if you are under 55; every year to two if you are under 65; and if you are above 65; annual examinations are necessary.

The amount of times you go on visiting the optometrist is dependent on how much of the symptoms do you have and the number of risk factors that apply to you. For people with diabetes or a rich glaucoma family history; frequent eye exams (once every 2 years) are recommended even before they turn 35.

What is Glaucoma and How to Prevent It?

Normalize Pressure

Normalizing your eye and blood pressure is certainly a way for preventing glaucoma. Your eye doctor may prescribe medication for eye pressure regulation. In addition to your medication, you can also try this by having an exercise routine. Walking and jogging 3 times a week has proven to be beneficial for lowering your eye pressure. The other activities can be yoga (without the headstand and inverted poses), hiking, or even swimming.

To normalize your eye or blood pressure, you should also reduce alcohol, smoking, and caffeine. Change your diet and go for a healthier lifestyle. Consult with your doctor to find the best exercise and diet solutions for you. When properly maintained your food and exercise habits can help with your glaucoma, as with other health conditions.

Protect Your Eyes

Traumatic glaucoma is the type of glaucoma caused by a physical injury to the eye. Traumatic glaucoma can occur immediately after the injury or even years later. Eye injuries are a common glaucoma risk factor. Take care of your eyes by wearing protection while you are fixing your house, playing sports, or even going out in the sun. Wear sunglasses and sports goggles to ensure a risk-free activity. Choose protective glasses with the highest quality. Bad sunglasses do you more damage than they do you good.

Another way to protect your eyes is to respect and practice the medicine and advice given to you by the optometrist. Regular use of prescribed eye drops can significantly decrease the risk of glaucoma. Find a doctor which is most suitable for you. Not anyone can listen and understand, but those that do are the ones that will really help and care for us.

About New Optical Palace

New Optical Palace is your Optician and Optometrist in the Kitchener and Waterloo Area. We offer eye exams for adults and children and a wide selection of prescription glasses for your prescription, contact lenses, and sunglasses.