Glaucoma is a serious condition that causes blindness when left untreated. It is second only to macular degeneration for progressive blindness in the US! Glaucoma is believed to affect over 4 million Americans.
Unfortunately, only about half of those with glaucoma are aware of it. Keep reading to learn more about this condition!
Glaucoma Symptoms
Glaucoma causes the gradual loss of peripheral vision. Vision lost to glaucoma is not recoverable. The best defense against glaucoma is early detection. When glaucoma is caught earlier, increased loss of vision can be avoided.
This is why regular eye exams with your eye doctor at Stahl Eyecare Experts are so important! The risk of developing glaucoma only increases with age. Careful, regular monitoring is a must for knowing if it’s time for treatment with glaucoma.
Let’s discuss a few of the common symptoms of glaucoma.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
Intraocular pressure is often associated with glaucoma. When eye pressure gets too high, it causes damage. If you have elevated intraocular pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications.
The common way to stabilize increased intraocular pressure is with prescription eye drops. If eye drops fail, the next step will involve laser surgery.
Laser surgery involves drilling microscopic holes in the eye to help drain fluid. By draining blocked fluid, the hope is intraocular pressure will decrease.
Normal Pressure Glaucoma
Elevated IOP isn’t the only issue. It is possible to develop normal pressure glaucoma as well. This happens if the optic nerve becomes damaged regardless of high intraocular pressure.
High intraocular pressure is one symptom of glaucoma, but you can have glaucoma without it. The implication, of course, is that a metabolic component may play a part in glaucoma.
The Role of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome, obesity, and high blood pressure may be associated with forms of glaucoma. If you have metabolic syndrome or are diabetic, being and staying healthy is key.
Things like weight loss, sleep, and a low carb diet could reduce your chances of glaucoma. If you have elevated intraocular pressure levels, it’s important to keep them stable.
Nutrients To Assist In Glaucoma Treatment
- Gingko biloba helps restore visual fields in normal pressure glaucoma patients.
- Fish oil acts as a circulation booster.
- Other circulation boosters include magnesium and gingko biloba.
- Magnesium has also been recommended as a supplement for glaucoma patients.
- Taking Omega 3 fatty acids can help increase the flowing of fluid in the eye. This can lead to lowered elevated intraocular pressure.
- After being tested on humans, a combination of Vitamin B, DHA, and Vitamin E may improve visual fields. They may also improve retinal sensitivity in patients with glaucoma.
- When tested on animals, a potent antioxidant called ECGC in green tea improved glaucoma.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid may limit what is known as glaucoma-related retinal ganglion death.
Living With Glaucoma
Though there is no cure for glaucoma, it is possible to live with the condition. When caught early, vision loss from the condition can be avoided.
Taking eye drops and keeping intraocular pressure stable helps avoid blindness. Any vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, and won’t come back.
If you’re concerned about glaucoma, the doctors at Stahl Eyecare Experts are here to help! Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in Long Island today!
