A high intraocular pressure may damage the optic nerve that sits at the back of your eye, a condition called glaucoma. Left untreated, this eye disease will slowly damage your peripheral vision. Glaucoma is a direct result of damage to the optic nerve from eye pressure, and nutrition or specific foods will not cause this condition. Nutrition may, however, play a role in the overall health of your eye and may help prevent glaucoma damage.
Eye Pressure
Your eye requires a certain amount of eye pressure to maintain the shape and hold structures of your inner eye in place. The pressure stems from the aqueous, a watery fluid made by the eye, that fills the front, inside section of your eye. Your eye produces aqueous fluid continuously, and as the freshly made aqueous enters your eye, the older aqueous must drain. People with glaucoma may have a slower rate of drainage, causing the aqueous to back up inside the eye, resulting in a high eye pressure.
Nutrients
The damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma typically takes many years to appear. As a result, researchers have not determined that a certain food, or your overall diet and nutrition in general, can cause this eye disease. Some nutrients could help promote healthy eyes, and this may, in theory, strengthen your eye and help prevent damage to your optic nerve. Beneficial nutrients include antioxidants such as selenium and vitamins A, C and E, as well as other nutrients such as zinc and copper, reports the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Omega-3 fatty acids may also help glaucoma sufferers. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as ground flaxseed and salmon, may aid in the proper drainage of the aqueous fluid, and this may help reduce eye pressure, according to AllAboutVision.com.
Risk Factors
Poor nutrition or the consumption of certain foods will not put you at risk for glaucoma. However, other factors may put you in a higher risk category. Glaucoma typically occurs in older adults. The disease is more common in African-Americans and may occur at a younger age, explains MayoClinic.com. Additional risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, steroid use and medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
Considerations
You cannot prevent glaucoma, but you can take steps to reduce your risk for continued damage. Eat a healthful diet rich in antioxidants, and maintain a healthy weight. You should keep good control of your blood pressure and other health conditions you have. If your eye doctor prescribes glaucoma medication, you should take the medication as prescribed. Keep all your scheduled eye appointments, and inform your eye doctor of any changes in vision or comfort.
