How to Cope With Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a buildup of fluid behind the eyes. It can cause blindness eventually because the disease destroys the optic nerve. A diagnosis of any disease can cause distress even with those who typically are strong emotionally. The disease causes stress not only with the patient, but with friends and family members as well. Here's how to cope with glaucoma.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare for the inevitable. It's likely that a diagnosis of glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Organize your surroundings to help you when you do lose your vision. Use contrasting lights to help you distinguish objects when your vision starts dwindling. Make sure to know the location of anything harmful.

• 2

  Ask your doctor for references to a community service that may help you. Many community services are available to those who have illnesses or physical impairments. These services offer assistance with stress relief, suggestions for coping and recommendations for preparing your life with glaucoma.

• 3

  Write down your thoughts and emotions. Writing down these thoughts helps relieve some anxiety, especially if not many people are around to help you. It's best to start planning how you're going to deal with the situation. Buy a journal or notebook to help you to record doctor appointments and questions for the physician.

• 4

  Help others with the same difficulties. Helping others makes you feel better. You learn to get a grip on your own issues and help teach others to do the same.

• 5

  Maintain as normal a routine as possible to keep things balanced, ease unnecessary stress and maintain confidence.

• 6

  Get help for depression right away. Your doctor will help by giving you access to medical or community resources to help you cope with the depression.

• 7

  Allow others to help you. There are people who are willing to help, if you let them. Ask family members and close friends to help you out by cleaning and doing the basic chores that you might not be able to do.