Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when you have high eye pressure that reduces blood flow to your optic nerve. The optic nerve sits at the back of your eye and sends information to your brain, and damage to these sensitive fibers might result in vision loss. Medications often help reduce eye pressure, helping to prevent further damage to the nerve. Your doctor may recommend a healthful diet to ensure your eye receives a variety of beneficial nutrients.
Weapons
Nutrients cannot treat, cure or prevent glaucoma, but nutrients might play an important part in the health of your eyes. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, and other nutrients such as zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin, can help prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. High doses of vitamin C can cause a decrease in eye pressure, but the amount of vitamin C you would need to stimulate this reduction could lead to serious complications. As such, vitamin C does not offer a beneficial treatment option.
General Health
Protecting your general health can help you prevent glaucoma and other eye conditions. For example, diabetics have a greater risk of developing glaucoma. Choosing healthy foods that provide a variety of nutrients can help you make strides toward preventing diabetes and other conditions. Your doctor can help you create a diet and lifestyle plan that will allow you to reach health-related goals that might protect your eyes.
Sources
Beneficial antioxidant nutrients for your eyes include vitamins A, C and E; zinc; lutein; and zeaxanthin. Daily vitamin supplements might provide you with the amounts of these vitamins you need each day, but you and your doctor might also determine that food will offer the best source of nutrients. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli and cantaloupe. Vitamin E-rich foods include egg yolks, nuts and avocados. Foods with vitamin A include liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and papaya. Foods that contain zinc include oysters, eggs and peanuts. Many dark green, leafy vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin. For these nutrients, you might also select pumpkin, corn, green beans, green peppers and cucumbers.
Considerations
Your doctor can help you determine the amount of each nutrient you need each day because this might vary from one person to the next, depending on your health and the medications you take. You should not make significant changes to your diet or increase your nutrient intake without first consulting your doctor. If you have glaucoma, do not stop taking your medications if you start using vitamin C or other nutrients for treatment.
