Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. Since January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, there is no better time to learn and adopt a few lifestyle changes to improve your vision.

Glaucoma is caused due to varied reasons; however, the root cause is high eye pressure. The group most at risk of developing glaucoma is:

• People over the age of 40
• Diabetics
• Those suffering from hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure or heart disease
• People with family history of glaucoma
• Those suffering from existing vision problems

If you fall under this group, it is recommended to consult an eye doctor for regular examination.

The best way to reduce the probability of developing glaucoma is taking precautionary measures to strengthen your optic nerve. The following tips will help you naturally reduce your intraocular pressure (IOP) to slow the progression of glaucoma.

Maintain Your Insulin Levels

Insulin is found commonly in sugary foods. Avoid indulging in carbohydrates and sugar heavy foods likes pastries, sodas, sweets and bread and take-outs. The rise in insulin level increases blood pressure which in turn results in the rise in eye pressure.

Get Fit!

Adopting a low-intensity fitness routine is a great way to lower your eye pressure; however, avoid inverted positions and headstands, as this will increase strain to the eyes. Incorporating yoga, walking, jogging into your workout routine can help you stay fitter and improve vision.

Reduce Eye Stress

Take time off from the computer and smartphone screens. Instead, take regular breaks to shut your eyes and do 5-minute deep breathing exercises, this will reduce stress on your eyes and lower your blood pressure.

Adopt A Healthy Diet

Eating healthy eye food strengthens your optic nerve. Incorporate fruits and vegetable high on Vitamin C, E, and A in your everyday diet. Eliminate foods high on trans-fat – found commonly in processed and junk food.

Getting Loads of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and Zeaxanthin act as anti-antioxidants and protect cells from damage. Lutein is a carotenoid found significantly in green and leafy vegetables and is oil-soluble. Gorge on kale, spinach, and broccoli regularly to boost your eye health; eat them with healthy fat to absorb its nutrients.

Common symptoms of Closed Angle Glaucoma are:

• Hazy or blurred vision
• Sudden loss of sight
• Headache and eye pain
• Vomiting and nausea due to eye pain
• Spotting halo-like glow around the lights
• Sudden sight loss

Treating Glaucoma

Glaucoma is treated by improving the flow of fluid in the eye or decreasing its production. Please note that the treatments can curb the progression of the disease, however, it cannot reverse the effects of glaucoma. Hence, it is necessary to do regular eye check from a reputed eye doctor, to detect and nip the disease when it is benign.

Common modes of treatment include eye drops, pressure reducing medication, and in advanced cases – surgery.

The most common complication of glaucoma surgery remains loss of eyesight. Hence, it is recommended to go to a reputed doctor and follow the prescribed preventive measures.