Your Daily Habits Could Save Your Vision: Glaucoma Prevention Tips

Glaucoma or 'kala motia' is a condition where the optic nerve of the eye gets damaged due to increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), thereby causing blind spots in the area of vision. And, vision loss that occurs due to optic nerve damage cannot be reversed.

Glaucoma, also called the ‘silent killer of sight’ rarely shows signs or symptoms at its beginning stages, but once the complete nerve is damaged, the condition may lead to the total loss of vision. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented if Glaucoma is diagnosed and treated before any major damage occurs.

Don’t let Glaucoma steal your sight! Contact Felix Hospitals to make an appointment with one of our experienced Glaucoma specialists or schedule a comprehensive eye test.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve is essential for clear vision, and its deterioration can lead to blindness if untreated. Two types of Glaucoma include:

Types of Glaucoma

• Open-angle Glaucoma: This accounts for about 90 % of the total cases of Glaucoma. It causes damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight occurs gradually and painlessly.

   

• Angle-closure Glaucoma: If Angle-closure Glaucoma is not treated in time, it can result in complete loss of sight. Some of the common symptoms of this condition are severe pain in eyes, distorted vision, headache, vomiting, etc. Angle-closure Glaucoma is to be considered a medical emergency.

Symptoms

Glaucoma rarely shows any symptoms and the only way to diagnose the condition is through the total evaluation of eyes and optic nerves. Other than deteriorating eyesight there are usually no symptoms for Open-angle Glaucoma. Whereas, in case of Angle-closure Glaucoma, an individual may experience the symptoms as listed below:

• Pain and redness in the eye;
• Sudden loss of peripheral (side) vision or sight; 
• Blurred and reduced vision; 
• Headache and vomiting; 
• Cloudy cornea.

Causes and Risk Factors

Following individuals are at the risk of developing Glaucoma:

• If you are over 45 years; 
• Have a family history of Glaucoma; 
• Have abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP); 
• Have diabetes; 
• Have myopia (nearsightedness); 
• Have been on long-term steroid use.

Diagnosis

Timely diagnosis is essential for effective management. Some of the diagnostic tests to diagnose Glaucoma include:

• Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure. 
• Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve. 
• Perimetry: Tests peripheral vision. 
• Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness.

Treatment

While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatments focus on preventing further damage by reducing IOP.
 

• Treatment of Glaucoma aims at reducing pressure in the eyeball and it depends on the type of Glaucoma a patient has been diagnosed with. However, treating Glaucoma requires a good understanding of the disease so as to manage the condition, therefore, it's advisable to seek an appointment with a Glaucoma specialist only. 
• Once detected, there are various treatments available. These include a combination of Eye Drops, Glaucoma Laser Trabeculoplasty, Glaucoma Implant Surgery, Non-Penetrating Glaucoma Surgery or Conventional Surgery.

• Use of prescribed eye drops: It is the first line of treatment and the most common way of treating glaucoma. Prescription eye drops help to lower eye pressure by slowly improving fluid drainage in your eyes. These are to be used as prescribed by your ophthalmologist.

• Conventional or Laser surgery: Surgical intervention for Glaucoma is considered as an option if eye drops or medicines don’t work. The main goal for surgery is to improve the fluid flow in the eye to lower eye pressure.

• Laser Therapy: For patients who cannot tolerate medications or for whom medication alone has not been adequate, laser treatment continues to be an excellent choice. Laser treatment may also be used as primary treatment but the effect of laser treatment is typically not permanent, and many patients will eventually require medications.
   
• These treatments help to arrest the progression of Glaucoma.

At Felix Hospital, we offer Glaucoma laser treatment that helps to minimize the permanent damage caused to the optic nerve of the eye.  

Glaucoma Prevention Tips

As mentioned, Glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, such that many people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. However, certain daily habits and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk or slow its progression.

• Regular Eye Screening: If you’re over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma, schedule comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years. Those with other risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure should start even earlier.
   
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids supports eye health. Antioxidants, such as vitamin A, C, and E, help reduce oxidative stress.
   
• Exercise Regularly: Moderate, regular exercise helps lower intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. While activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can improve blood flow to the eyes, on the other hand exercises that involve heavy lifting or inverted positions tend to increase IOP.
   
• Protect Your Eyes Against UV Rays: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. If you’re working in dusty or hazardous environments, use safety goggles to prevent injuries that could compromise your vision.
   
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain overall eye health. However, avoid drinking large amounts at once, as this can temporarily increase IOP.
   
• Manage Stress and Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can elevate blood pressure and strain the eyes. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises. Ensure you get 6-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your eyes to recover and rest.
   
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Caffeine Intake: Smoking damages blood vessels, and reduces oxygen flow to the optic nerve. Excessive caffeine can also spike IOP, so moderation is key.
   
• Monitor Screen Time: Prolonged use of digital devices can lead to eye strain and fatigue, which may exacerbate underlying conditions.

Meet the Best Doctor at Felix Hospitals

Felix Hospitals offers cutting-edge Glaucoma treatment with experienced ophthalmologists dedicated to preserving your vision. Using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, our team, led by ophthalmologists Dr. Deepanjali Arya and  Dr. Mohmad Uzair Zakai ensures the best outcomes for each patient.

For a comprehensive eye test, book your consultation at Felix Hospitals today and take a proactive step in protecting your eyesight! Contact us at: +(91) 9667064100.

Conclusion

Glaucoma can be managed effectively with early detection and the right lifestyle changes. By prioritizing regular eye exams and adopting healthy habits, you can reduce your risk of Glaucoma.

FAQs

Q- Who is at the highest risk for Glaucoma?

Ans- Individuals over 40, those with a family history of Glaucoma, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure are at greater risk.

Q- Can Glaucoma be cured?

Ans- Glaucoma cannot be cured, but timely treatment can slow its progression and preserve vision.

Q- How often should I get my eyes checked?

Ans- If you’re over 40 or have risk factors, schedule comprehensive eye exams every 1 year.

Q- What happens if Glaucoma goes untreated?

Ans- Untreated Glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.

Q- Is Glaucoma hereditary?

Ans- Yes, a family history of Glaucoma increases your risk.