Glaucoma is a "silent" eye disease that damages the optic nerve when the fluid inside the eye, the aqueous humor, does not drain out properly. Pressure builds up, injuring the optic nerve and causing loss of peripheral vision. It's called a silent disease because the process is painless and happens so gradually that you don't notice the narrowing of your vision until permanent damage has already occurred. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause tunnel vision, in which side vision is lost, and you only see things straight in front of you. In some cases, it can even lead to blindness.
Adapting your diet and lifestyle will help prevent damage to the optic nerve and may keep any damage you already have from progressing.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Risk factors for glaucoma include myopia (nearsightedness), family history of glaucoma, high level of stress, suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure, and being African-American and/or older than 60.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma comes in several forms. The most common type is open-angle, or chronic glaucoma. The fluid in the eye normally drains out through a mesh-like structure, but in chronic glaucoma, it starts backing up, and the flow becomes sluggish, causing intraocular pressure (IOP) to increase.
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the fluid in the eye is suddenly blocked from draining. There is a rapid build-up of pressure, with pain, nausea, redness and blurred vision. This is an emergency, and you should see your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
Secondary glaucoma may develop as a result of other conditions, including cataracts, tumors or taking steroid drugs.
Diet for Glaucoma
According to the Health Education Library, the best diet to fight glaucoma is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B complex, which protect the eyes. Seeds, nuts, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of these nutrients.
Avoid coffee, as the high caffeine content elevates blood pressure, increasing IOP.
Don't gulp a lot of fluid all at once, as this can temporarily increase IOP. Take your liquids in smaller amounts throughout the day.
Carrots and dark green leafy vegetables are very helpful. The American Journal of Ophthalmology in June 2008 cited a study in which women who ate green collard greens and kale lowered their glaucoma risk by 69 percent. Women who ate carrots lowered their risk by 64 percent.
Drinking green tea may help to protect the eyes. A study found that the retina and aqueous humor absorb the antioxidants in green tea.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Exercise and stress reduction are important for people with glaucoma. According to The Eye Digest, aerobic exercise lowers IOP. Walking, biking, swimming, jogging and working out on an elliptical trainer are all forms of aerobic exercise. A good way to begin is to start walking briskly for 20 minutes, four times a week. Exercise is a healthy way to lower stress.
Meditation also relaxes the body and reduces stress. Breathing deeply and focusing on your breath during meditation lets you take in more oxygen, making you feel calm and peaceful.
Warning
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or increased IOP that can lead to glaucoma, along with making healthy lifestyle changes, it is critical that you keep taking any medications your doctor has prescribed. You should continue to go in for regular checkups to monitor your peripheral vision and IOP levels.
References
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Glaucoma
- Health Education Library for People: Diet Cure for Common Ailments
- American Journal of Ophthalmology: Glaucoma Risk and the Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
- National Glaucoma Research: New Evidence That Green Tea May Help Eye Diseases
- Eye Digest: Glaucoma Treatment--An Evolving Paradigm
