Getting Glaucoma: Prevention and Treatment
By Brandi Goodman
Glaucoma Awareness Month falls to January. This eye disease can cause significant damage to your eyes and even lead to a loss in vision. When you find yourself getting glaucoma, it's important to look for treatment methods. If you're at risk, prevention is key.
Risk Factors
Both strong and potential risk factors exist for developing glaucoma. Age plays a major factor in many cases. African Americans over 40 are especially at risk. Other groups see their risk increase once they reach 60. You may also have a family history of glaucoma. This greatly increases your chances for developing the condition.
Thin corneas are also an early indication the disease could develop. Severe eye pressure is as well. People with diabetes may also experience struggles with their vision. High blood pressure, poor short-distance vision, suffering from an eye injury, and cardiovascular disease too have the potential to increase your odds of glaucoma.
Prevention Options
If you know you're at risk, then you have a chance to prevent yourself from developing the disease. One of the best preventive methods is leading a healthy lifestyle. Make changes to your diet and exercise plan if you hope to avoid getting this disease. You can keep your eyes as healthy as possible by eating foods that contain antioxidants and vitamins well-known for enhancing vision. Vitamins A, E, and C are especially vital. Most people have heard that carrots are good for eye health. Many more possibilities exist. Consume kale, fish, eggs, oranges, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds.
Exercise may be effective because it lowers your risk for other health concerns as well. It can keep your blood pressure low, help you maintain your weight, and reduce your chances of developing diabetes. Start out by adding a little exercise into your day until you get at least 30 minutes at a time.
Treatment Options
You have some treatment options to pick from if you do develop the disease. Even using preventive methods does not guarantee glaucoma will not develop at some point in life, especially once you become senior age. Your doctor may start by prescribing medication. Eye drops will need to be used to help relieve eye pain and release pressure.
Further options involve laser treatment. It works to reduce the pressure felt in the eyes that can build and cause more severe damage. An incisional surgery may be the final option if other sources have not worked to lessen your eye pain or associated symptoms.
Glaucoma awareness helps spread the word about this eye disease. Do what you can to spread awareness to others, especially if you know they're at risk. Take the preventive measures seriously for yourself as well if you know certain risk factors apply to you. A healthy lifestyle has a huge potential to help.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wilmington, N.C.