How to Prevent Glaucoma — Top 5 Ways to Prevent Glaucoma Explained by an MD

By rjoachim | September 6, 2023

There is no sure way to prevent glaucoma, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the disease. Here are the top 5 ways to prevent glaucoma, explained by an MD:

  1. Get regular eye exams. The only way to detect glaucoma early is through regular eye exams. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that everyone over the age of 40 have a comprehensive eye exam every 2 to 4 years. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, such as a family history of the disease, you may need to be screened more often.
  2. Control your eye pressure. High eye pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma. There are a number of ways to control eye pressure, including eye drops, oral medications, and surgery. If you have glaucoma, it is important to take your prescribed medications as directed and to have your eye pressure checked regularly.
  3. Live a healthy lifestyle. There are a number of lifestyle factors that can affect your risk of glaucoma, such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing your blood sugar can help reduce your risk of glaucoma.
  4. Protect your eyes from the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the optic nerve, which can increase your risk of glaucoma. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays whenever you are outdoors.
  5. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help protect your eyes from glaucoma. These foods are good sources of antioxidants, which can help protect the optic nerve from damage.

In addition to these 5 tips, there are other things you can do to reduce your risk of glaucoma, such as managing stress and getting regular exercise. If you are concerned about your risk of glaucoma, talk to your doctor.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about glaucoma prevention:

  • There is no one-size-fits-all approach to glaucoma prevention. The best way to prevent glaucoma for you will depend on your individual risk factors.
  • Even if you are doing everything you can to prevent glaucoma, there is still a chance that you will develop the disease. However, by taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help protect your vision.

If you have any questions or concerns about glaucoma prevention, talk to your doctor.

Posted in Stress Management & Relief and tagged , , ,