Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, reports the Glaucoma Research Foundation. This condition results in slow, progressive damage to your vision, often without any noticeable signs. People with glaucoma may only notice the damage once they have significant vision loss. Doctors can treat the condition by prescribing eye drops to help reduce eye pressure. In addition to eye drops, some people may look at the role of nutrition in caring for their eyes.
Causes
Fluid continuously enters the front chamber of the eye, nourishing the tissues. As fluid enters the eye, fluid also leaves through the drainage canal, the angle where the cornea, the front surface of the eye, and the iris, the colored part of the eye, meet. Pressure increases will occur if the angle closes completely, or if the fluid leaving the eye does not drain at a constant, steady pace. Eye injuries and certain eye conditions may result in high eye pressures that damage the eye. The situations that cause glaucoma may not have a direct relationship to nutrition, and as a result, nutrition alone may not treat the condition.
Nutrition
Even though nutrition may not help lower eye pressure or prevent glaucoma, a healthful diet, rich in many nutrients, may help to protect the health of your eyes. Foods and supplements that contain vitamin A, C and E, as well as zinc, copper and selenium promote eye health, explains the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Some of the foods that contain these vitamins and minerals include spinach, tomatoes, almonds, sweet potatoes, salmon and oranges. Selecting a variety of nutritious foods will often provide the necessary vitamins. Your eye doctor or health care provider may recommend higher doses of certain vitamins, and she may recommend that you take a supplement to ensure your nutrient intake meets these recommendations.
Considerations
High caffeine intake may increase eye pressure, particularly if you consume a large amount of caffeine in a short period of time. As well, drinking large quantities of water in a short time may raise your eye pressure. To prevent these sudden spikes, limit caffeine intake, and spread out fluid intake throughout the day.
Treatment
In addition to a diet rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals, a person with glaucoma will typically require medicated eye drops that reduce intraocular eye pressure. Some glaucoma patients may also require surgery or laser treatment. These eye drops will often work quickly, which will help prevent damage to vision. If left untreated, glaucoma will slowly damage the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss. As such, a person with glaucoma must work closely with his doctor to determine the ways nutrition and medicine can help to protect vision.
Warning
Talk with your eye doctor or health care provider to come up with a dietary plan that works for your health needs. Discuss the medications and supplements you currently use, since vitamins and minerals in some foods may interact with certain medications or health conditions.
