January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and at Scottsdale Eye we strive to provide our patients with not only the best care but also the best tips to make sure you are taking care of vision and preventing diseases.  Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve and is often times called the ā€œsilentā€ killer because its symptoms and warning signs can go unnoticed. Here are 5 tips to help prevent glaucoma.

Glaucoma usually develops later in life and is one of the leading causes of blindness in older Americans.  But did you know blindness caused by glaucoma could be prevented with early treatment?  That is why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important. Check out these 5 tips to help prevent glaucoma.

 

There are two major types of Glaucoma, open-angle and angle-closure.

 

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of Glaucoma and accounts more than 90% of cases.  Open-angle glaucoma is where the angle between the iris and the cornea is wide and open.

  • Is caused by increased eye pressure due to slow drainage canals in the eyes.
  • Develops slowly and is a lifelong condition.
  • Warning signs are often very hard to notice

 

Angle-closure glaucoma is generally less common form, often referred to as acute glaucoma.  Angle-closure glaucoma is where the angle where the iris and the cornea meet is closing becoming narrower.

  • Is caused by a sudden increase in eye pressure caused by blocked drainage canals in the eye.
  • Develops very quickly.
  • Signs and symptoms are usually very noticeable.
  • Immediate attention is needed.

 

It is possible to catch glaucoma early with regular eye exams.  Research has shown that you can also help to prevent it by changing your daily habits! Here are 5 Tips to prevent glaucoma.

 

  1. Get in for regular eye exams!

If you are known to have a family history of Glaucoma regular eye exams are more important than ever. Your risk of developing Glaucoma increases by more than 3 times if it runs in your family.  This is where regular eye exams could save your sight! Make it a point to get in each year for a comprehensive eye exam.

 

  1. Keep an eye on your blood sugar

Higher blood sugar levels are known to cause higher eye pressure levels which can lead to the development of glaucoma. Keeping your blood sugar levels in check could help you in preventing glaucoma.

 

  1. Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables

Eat your way to healthy vision! Green veggies like spinach, kale and arugula are full of nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are healthy antioxidants.  These antioxidants help to prevent free radicals in the eyes that can leave cells damaged and diseased.  Keep an eye on your diet!

  1. Exercise

We all know that exercise is good for the body, but did you know it can actually help your vision. Regular cardiovascular or aerobic exercise can lower the pressure in the eyes which can prevent eye diseases.

 

  1. Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.  When you are outside be sure to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays.  Doesnā€™t matter the time of wear wearing sunglasses can significantly help in preventing eye diseases.

 

Taking care of your vision is an important step in your daily routine and these 5 Tips to prevent glaucoma can make a world of difference.  If you have not been in for a comprehensive eye exam in a while, make it a priority to make an appointment! Call our office at 480-994-1872 to make an appointment!