Navigating Glaucoma: Innovative Treatments and Lifestyle Enhancements for Better Eye Health

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Discovering that you have glaucoma isn’t precisely pleasant news, however, there is a silver lining: Since nearly half of those affected remain unaware, being aware allows you to take action. Currently, there are more therapeutic approaches available than ever before, enabling you to halt the advancement of the disease and safeguard your eyesight.

In this article, we outline essential information regarding treatment alternatives for glaucoma, along with some lifestyle modifications to consider.

What Are the Treatment Approaches and Strategies for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a long-lasting condition, which means a complete cure is not yet achievable. Regrettably, there is also no method to undo any harm that has already occurred once the condition has developed. What treatment can accomplish, however, is preventing additional eye damage and vision deterioration.

In a healthy eye, a substance known as aqueous humor is continuously generated and drained. When diagnosed with glaucoma, however, this natural drainage angle becomes obstructed, leading to fluid buildup and increased pressure in your eye. If left untreated, this heightened pressure can harm your optic nerve — the tiny fibers needed for vision — resulting in blind spots.

Thankfully, there are numerous methods to manage glaucoma.

• Prescription eye drops: Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, you may be prescribed eye drops to either enhance the drainage of aqueous humor or diminish the amount produced by your eye.
• Laser treatment: If medications do not sufficiently alleviate symptoms, your eye specialist may suggest laser treatment. In this procedure, a surgeon employs laser technology to establish a more effective route for aqueous humor to exit your eye.
• Additional surgical procedures: Besides laser therapies, surgical options are available to create new pathways for aqueous humor flow. These procedures may involve crafting a hidden flap in your eyelid for fluid absorption, or placing a drainage device to collect fluid before distributing it to nearby blood vessels.

What lifestyle changes should glaucoma patients consider?

While we understand that certain dietary habits seem to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, experts are still exploring how particular behaviors affect those already diagnosed. Foods rich in antioxidants — such as berries, leafy greens, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish — can promote overall eye health, making them definitely worth including in your diet regularly.

Additionally, regular aerobic activities like swimming, walking, or cycling can lower the pressure in your eye, and may enhance blood circulation to your retina. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of low-impact aerobic exercise most days of the week.

What precautions are essential for glaucoma patients?

Comprehensive management of glaucoma also includes minimizing activities that might raise your eye pressure. For instance, elevated stress can lead to increased intraocular pressure. While some stressors may be unavoidable, finding healthy coping mechanisms like meditation, journaling, and deep breathing can help mitigate their impact. Furthermore, aim to evade or minimize foods and drinks that elevate your blood pressure, such as highly caffeinated beverages, sodium-rich foods, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Which activities should be avoided with glaucoma?

Although aerobic exercise can benefit your eyes, a few specific workouts might actually elevate ocular pressure, potentially exacerbating vision decline. These include actions that require straining or breath-holding, like heavy weightlifting, sprinting, crunches, and squats. Moreover, avoid downward dog, headstands, and any other postures that place your head beneath your heart, as these can increase eye pressure.

Book an Appointment With Our Eye Care Experts at SouthCoast Health

Eye care is an integral part of your overall health, which is why SouthCoast Health has a dedicated team of ophthalmologists and optometrists prepared to assist with your family’s ocular needs. Rely on us for everything from routine eye examinations to advanced surgical requirements and all that’s in between. Schedule your appointment online or call 912.691.3600.

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