Glaucoma is a chronic disease that causes damage to optic nerves. If glaucoma is not caught and treated early on, it can lead to blindness. Several forms of glaucoma have been identified, and for some types, dietary changes such as watching the type and amount of carbs you eat can help manage this condition. While a healthy diet can help, glaucoma is a serious condition that requires medical treatment so make sure to check with your doctor before starting any new treatment program.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the retina in your eye to your brain so they can be interpreted. In the early stages, often no significant symptoms are noticeable, so regular eye exams are important, as early treatment can help protect your vision. Treatment depends on the type of glaucoma you have, which includes open-angle glaucoma; normal-tension glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, congenital glaucoma or secondary glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type.
Causes
In some cases, the exact cause of glaucoma is never known, but it can run in families and is more common in African Americans and those over age 60. When you have glaucoma, the fluid in the eyes does not drain properly, which increases pressure. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve. Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, your primary course of treatment might include special eye drops, medication to reduce eye pressure and surgery in severe cases. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise should also be part of the plan.
Diet and Glaucoma
While eating a healthy diet is important when managing any disease, no direct link has been established between eating specific foods and a higher chance of developing glaucoma, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. However, having diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk of glaucoma.
Diabetes or high blood sugar levels that are not well managed can damage the blood vessels in the eye and other areas of the body. High blood pressure can affect the blood vessels anywhere in the body, including those in the eye. High blood pressure or damage to the eye's blood vessels can also increase pressure on the optic nerve.
Managing diabetes means controlling the type and amount of carbs you eat to keep your blood sugar levels in check. In addition, certain types of carbs are better than others when it comes to controlling blood pressure.
Carbohydrate Guidelines
Certain types of carbs, such as sugary foods and beverages and refined grains, tend to be digested very quickly, which can cause spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control. The above foods can also contribute to weight gain, which increases your risk of both diabetes and high blood pressure.
Carbs high in fiber can keep blood sugar levels more steady and improve cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease, reports the Harvard School of Public Health. A general guideline is to meet your daily carb needs through fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grain foods. Approximately 45 to 60 percent of your daily calorie intake should come from carbs. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also supply you with many vitamins and minerals to keep your eyes healthy.
Member Comments