Glaucoma is an eye disease that slowly progresses and can lead to blindness. The disease damages the eye's optic nerve. Doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center report that glaucoma affects nearly three million Americans. Symptoms usually begin with the loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma occurs when the fluids in the eyes pass too slowly or stop flowing. Eye drops, medication and surgery can be utilized to treat the disease. Certain foods that are high in antioxidants can help with glaucoma.
Vegetables
Doctors at the Glaucoma Research Foundation report that spinach and other green leafy vegetables can help fight glaucoma because they are high in antioxidants. Spinach is particularly high in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are naturally found in high amounts in the eyes. The nutrients work to protect the eyes from the negative consequences created when oxygen hits the eyes. Other vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, corn, summer squash and green beans. Green peppers, green olives and cucumbers contain the antioxidants needed to fight glaucoma.
Fruit
Various fruits that are high in vitamin C can help prevent declining vision due to glaucoma. Citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Cantaloupe is a fruit high in both vitamins A and C, which are both useful deterrents to glaucoma. Doctors at the Glaucoma Research Foundation also recommend papaya and pink grapefruit for fighting the disease.
Fish
DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is used to structurally support the membranes in the eyes. Cold water fish is a good source of DHA that is important for healthy eyes. Good sources of DHA include tuna, sardines and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are also recommended by University of Maryland doctors to help treat glaucoma. The oils found in fish can help to reduce inflammation often exacerbated by eye problems like glaucoma. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish include salmon, herring, mackerel and albacore tuna.
Herbs
There are a number of herbs that can be steeped in hot water or added to foods that can help with vision loss problems like glaucoma. Bilberry, high in antioxidants, can be used two or three times day for vision support. Ginko biloba and green tea are other herbs that can be taken as tea or as supplements to add antioxidants and immunity support to those with glaucoma.
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