Glaucoma

How To Prevent Glaucoma?

Needlessly, good vision is important to live an independent life. After a certain age, eyesight can become weak for plenty of different and even obvious reasons. One such reason may be glaucoma. It is essential to know what it is and how to prevent glaucoma. 

What is glaucoma of the eye? 

Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions can damage the optic nerve, responsible for vision. Damage to the optic nerve can cause partial or complete vision loss and blindness. The effects of glaucoma may be slow and completely unrecognizable in the initial stages.  

Types of glaucoma 

Glaucoma is the third leading cause of vision loss after cataract and trachoma. Glaucoma is of different types. However, there are two specific types of glaucoma - 

1. Open-angle glaucoma – Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma that affects people during their lifetime. In this type of glaucoma, the drainage canals of the eyes start getting clogged over time, damaging the optic nerve. 
2. Pigmentary glaucoma - In pigmentary glaucoma, the pigment granules from the iris start building up in the drainage channels, which slows or blocks the exit of fluids from the eye. Physical activities like jogging can stir up the pigment granules, depositing them on the trabecular meshwork that causes intermittent elevations in pressure. 
3. Angle-closure glaucoma - Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, happens when the iris bulges forward and blocks the drainage passage created by the cornea and iris. This blockage does not allow the fluid to leave the eye, thus increasing the pressure. Some people have narrow drainage angles, putting them at increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma. Subsequently, angle-closure glaucoma may surface abruptly and be known as acute angle-closure glaucoma or can gradually surface and be known as chronic angle-closure glaucoma. 

Symptoms of glaucoma 

One can prevent total vision loss when glaucoma is identified and prevented in the early stages. Hence, it is of utmost importance to know the signs to prevent it from worsening. Some of the symptoms of glaucoma are- 

• Constant headaches 
• Red eye 
• Blurred vision 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Eye pain 
• Patchy blind spots 
• Halos around lights 

How to prevent Glaucoma? 

Glaucoma requires extensive medical care and concern. It can be treated via medication, laser treatment, or eye surgery, largely depending on the type of glaucoma and its severity. While undergoing surgery is a complicated, painful, and lengthy process, it is often seen as the last resort.  

Generally, doctors advise some non-invasive treatment tactics as to how to prevent Glaucoma and maintain good eyesight. 

There are various ways to prevent Glaucoma from worsening, such as – 

1. Noticing the symptoms – Nibbing glaucoma on onset helps prevent glaucoma from worsening. However, to do so, one has to keep a keen eye on the symptoms and signs and consult a doctor immediately if something feels troubling. 
2. Regular eye examinations – Regular eye checkups are necessary for every individual, and for aged people, it’s even more important as they have the most chances of developing glaucoma. Regular glaucoma tests are a must to prevent further damage to the vision, and delaying them may worsen the situation. 
3. Follow the routine – Doctors will most likely provide the person with medicines and eye drops after a glaucoma test. It is essential to take medications and eye drops in the proper prescribed way. Especially eye drops need to be used at the right time regularly. They can reduce the risk of Glaucoma significantly. 
4. Genetics – Glaucoma can be hereditary as well. To prevent glaucoma, everyone needs to check if glaucoma runs in the family. And if it runs in the family, taking care of it is more crucial to prevent Glaucoma from worsening. 
5. Exercise – There can be exercises to reduce eye pressure to prevent glaucoma. Make sure to do these exercises as suggested by the physician. 
6. Eye protection – Glaucoma can come up if the eyes are not protected properly. Cover your eyes with glasses, avoid sunlight, and lower your screen time to prevent glaucoma from worsening. 
7. Eating habits – Good food is the key to having a healthy life. To prevent Glaucoma, eat healthily and eat more leafy green vegetables, peaches, oranges, dairy products, eggs, seafood, and food containing a rich amount of Vitamin A. 

 As they say, “Prevention is better than cure,” focusing on how to prevent glaucoma before it starts to create vision problems is the way forward. Glaucoma cannot be treated but surely prevented with immediate and proper care. Hence, it is always recommended to consult a doctor if any symptoms appear.  

 

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