Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects many people, especially the elderly. Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center is a perfect place to get help with your glaucoma.
To be more specific, glaucoma refers to a series of eye disorders that lead to optic nerve damage. It often results in the loss of vision due to intense pressure in the eyes.
You can do a lot on your own to manage your glaucoma before you go and seek professional help. Some of the things you can do include:
Exercise
Physical activity is a great way to manage your glaucoma. It helps by increasing blood circulation to the eye which means the nerves in the eye receive adequate blood flow.
You cannot do all types of exercises when you have glaucoma. So, you should consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
In fact, some activities may lead to more damage by increasing the pressure in the eyes.
Medication
There are plenty of medicines to help with glaucoma. Most of them require a doctor’s prescription so you cannot get them over the counter.
One drawback of using medication to manage your glaucoma is that they can have serious side effects such as irritation or blurred vision. If the side effects get too strong, speak with your doctor about getting a replacement.
Marijuana is a medication that has increased in popularity over the past decade as far as treating glaucoma is concerned. It has very few side effects and is a natural way to manage glaucoma.
Eye Drops
A doctor can prescribe eye drops if you have glaucoma. They increase the amount of moisture in the eye and hence reduce the pressure buildup in the eye.
On the other hand, eye drops can also have serious side effects such as swelling and reddening of the eyes. There are a wide variety of eye drop types.
The most common ones are Beta-blockers, Prostaglandins, and Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Each serves a different function and causes a different reaction in the eye.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Even though most people drink coffee every morning, they do not realize just how powerful a stimulant it is. It is powerful enough to increase the pressure in your eyes.
Some research suggests that a single cup of coffee can raise the blood pressure in your eyes for up to an hour and a half. The best option would be to completely stop taking caffeine, but gradual reduction has the best results.
Caffeine is not only included in coffee but also in other beverages, such as energy drinks and soda.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Food is the key to a healthy body and that also includes your eyes. The better you eat, the healthier your eyes and the less potent your glaucoma.
There are certain foods that are better for your eyes than others. Foods that are rich in antioxidants such as oranges are a great example.
Nutrient-dense foods are also good for your eyes and bad for your glaucoma. That includes most leafy vegetables and fish.
