Nutritional Prevention of Glaucoma

Glaucoma most often occurs from increased fluid pressure in the eye causing damage to the optic nerve. Blindness may result if glaucoma is untreated. Symptoms may not occur with this eye problem until it is advanced. Have eye exams each year or two to prevent loss of vision from this or other eye diseases. Practice good health habits (wholesome foods, regular exercise and no smoking) to keep your eyes and the rest of your body functioning well.

Nutrition

• Although it is uncertain whether any specific foods can prevent glaucoma, some foods definitely promote eye health. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables contains vitamins, antioxidants and other substances known to be eye healthy, according to the University of California's Senior Nutrition Services. Citrus and other fruits like strawberries, as well as apricots and cantaloupe are good sources of eye healthy vitamins. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, romaine lettuce and sweet potatoes also promote good eye health. Use vegetable oils, wheat germ, seeds and nuts in your diet for good sources of Vitamin E, also an antioxidant.

Risks

• Age, chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, higher pressure within the eye, and ethnic origin may all cause a higher risk factor for glaucoma, according to the U.S. Veterans Affairs National Center for Health Promotion. African-Americans often experience earlier onset of glaucoma and are four times as apt to become blind from this disease than others. Glaucoma in your family history is a reason for concern also, as are previous eye injuries or vision problems.

Vision health

• Diabetes, high blood pressure and other vascular problems are all risks to your healthy vision. They can often be prevented or well controlled through proper diet and exercise. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist or dietitian to help you learn what foods are best for you and your family. Health insurance will sometimes pay for these visits. Know what your risk factors are and control the ones you can. Prevent health problems through active participation in your own health care. It is easier, better and less expensive than dealing with the problems after they occur.

Treatment

• Although glaucoma is not curable, prompt treatments are often effective. Different tests used to find the correct diagnosis aid your physician in determining effective therapies. Eye drops, oral medications and laser or other surgery are among solutions offered. Vision already lost from glaucoma is not recoverable. Early treatment can often slow the progression of this disease, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Eye care

• See your eye doctor right away if you experience any problems with your eyes. Do not wait for your next regularly scheduled examination. Early detection may prevent blindness or compromised vision. Wear a hat and sunglasses to help prevent eye damage from the sun. Use safety goggles when doing any type of work that might cause eye damage. Accidents with foreign objects and damage from chemical splashes in the eyes are usually avoidable. Be proactive and enjoy good eyesight.