Tips to Help Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that is often hereditary. It may not appear until later in your life. Pressure builds in the eye that can cause damage to your optic nerve. Those with glaucoma may notice vision loss or even permanent blindness if untreated. The following tips can help you make positive changes after a glaucoma diagnosis.

1. Stay Fit with Regular Exercise – Believe it or not, exercise can help you deal with glaucoma. It keeps your blood flowing to the nerves in your eye and can lower pressure. Make sure you choose the best routine for you. Some exercises can increase pressure, so speak to a doctor before getting started.
2. Enjoy a Well-Balanced Diet – Eat a well-balanced diet that includes nutritious and antioxidant-filled foods. Some good examples to include are dark, leafy greens and fish with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Always take your medication as directed. Stick with a schedule and keep your doctor up to date on any changes. Missing a dose can cause glaucoma to get worse, so this is very important once you have a diagnosis.
4. Limit Caffeine & Spread Out Fluid Intake – Too much caffeine can increase eye pressure. Limit intake or avoid it altogether. One study conducted revealed that even a single cup of coffee can cause a significant rise in pressure in your eye for as long as an hour and a half. Also, spread out your overall fluid intake throughout the day.
5. Don’t Smoke – Nicotine can increase both blood pressure and your eye inflammation. It also has other adverse effects, like increasing your risk of diabetes. Don’t smoke or quit if you currently smoke.

If you have questions about living with glaucoma, talk to an ophthalmologist. Contact Grosinger Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.