What You Can Do To Prevent Glaucoma Disease

Your eyes' optic nerve conveys images from the retina of your eye to your brain, and this activity enables you to see. When eye pressure damages nerve fibers that lie within the optic nerve, the damaged nerve fibers cause you to develop blind spots in your eyes' field of vision. The combined visual loss and nerve damage generally result in blindness when the optic nerve becomes completely destroyed. You can avoid glaucoma disease by recognizing glaucoma signs and symptoms. Early treatment can deter optic nerve damage and associated vision loss from glaucoma.

Note Vision Loss and Consult with Your Ophthalmologist

Optic nerve damage and vision loss occur gradually, and you may not notice deteriorating vision problems. Immediately consult your ophthalmologist about the slightest vision loss you have encountered. Have annual eye exams. The key to preventing further vision loss is to determine what is causing the vision loss. Your eye care physician expert will test your vision in order to determine whether the optic nerve and nerve fibers have been damaged.

Major Risks for Developing Glaucoma

You are at risk for developing glaucoma if there is a history of glaucoma disease in your family. Black Americans who are 40 years old have been scientifically identified as a group with high risks for having glaucoma. The general population in America, and especially Mexican Americans, who are 60 years of age and older are reportedly also at risk for the disease, according to researchers. Having diabetes definitely classifies you as a major risk for developing glaucoma as well.

Exercise Regularly to Lower Intraocular Pressure

There is no established exercise that any science has so far discovered to be a cure for glaucoma. However, researchers recommend that regular exercise goes a long way to lowering intraocular eye pressure. They suggest that moderate amounts of walking or jogging several times a week can lower your intraocular pressure. Always consult your primary care physician before beginning any exercise program and particularly so if you have a cardiac history.

Certain Diets Improve Your Vision

You can also lower your risks of developing glaucoma by eating certain diets. Carotenoid foods are recommended by nutritionists as part of a proper diet that will help improve your vision. Although  there is no scientific proof that foods can prevent glaucoma, you can maintain good vision by consuming certain foods. Nutritionists recommend foods such as spinach, carrots, collard greens, broccoli and kale as well as Lima beans and green beans. Add colorful bell peppers and squash to your meals as well. Fruits including red grapes, mango and papaya are also recommended by diet experts.

Prevention is Indeed Better than Cure

While admittedly there is no cure for glaucoma disease, the old adage "prevention is better than cure," is appropriate when referring to this devastating disease that results in blindness. Remember to immediately report vision changes to your ophthalmologist. Eat a healthy diet and regularly perform moderate exercises to ward off symptoms of glaucoma disease.

For more information, contact a local eye clinic, like North Central Eye Associates Inc.