This Is The Best Way To Prevent Having Glaucoma, Says An Eye Specialist

Editor’s Note: This article is intended for information purposes only. It does not substitute a doctor. It is vital to always consult a medically trained professional for advice that suits your needs best.

Glaucoma is potentially blinding, says Dr. Frances Hope Yap, an ophthalmologist. That's why knowing and following how to prevent glaucoma is paramount, so you won't need treatment for this ailment.

"It is slowly progressive and those manifesting with loss of vision due to undetected glaucoma have irreversible damage to the nerve of the eye," the doctor based in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, tells Smart Parenting.

What you need to know about glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve, according to the United States National Eye Institute (NEI)

The Philippine Academy of Ophalmology (PAO) adds that the nerve cells slowly die, thus causing progressive damage to the optic nerve. This is the nerve responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain.

When this nerve is damaged, some signals from the eye are prevented from reaching the brain. As a result, there's a reduced field of vision and, if not managed properly, can lead to irreversible blindness.

In the Philippines, 14  percent (46 ,501) of the estimated number of persons who are bilaterally blind (332,150) in 2017 was due to glaucoma. This is according to data from the Department of Health (DOH).

The exact cause of glaucoma is still not known, or idiophatic, according to experts. But there are several factors that can heighten the risk for developing this eye disease. Possible causes of glaucoma include:

1. Familial/hereditary

If there's a family member who has glaucoma, you may get it, too. That's why there are cases involving children, even babies, of congenital glaucoma.

2. Aging

Starting at 40 years old, the eyes become more susceptible to glaucoma.

3. Steroid induced

This means long term use of steroids, which are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions. They have been found to cause changes in the aqueous fluid outflow system (trabecular meshwork, Schlemm’s canal, and the aqueous veins) resulting in increased eye pressure, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF).

4. High refractive errors

If there's a high refractive correction to be made for nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia), the risk for developing glaucoma increases.

5. Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes

6. Long-term use of birth control pills

Women who have been using birth control pills for three years or more are more prone to developing glaucoma, says a study (read here).

7. Previous eye injury

8. High eye pressure

The pressure in your eye gets higher when fluid can’t drain normally out of the front of your eye, according to experts. Such occurence increases your risk for glaucoma as the pressure inside your eye gets too high, it can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.

As for symptoms, Dr. Yap says the early onset of glaucoma is usually asymptomatic. Meaning, many people with this eye disease don't feel any symptoms until they already reach the advanced stages of glaucoma. That's when they start complaining of tunnel vision or decreased peripheral vision.

Dr. Yap says warning signs include acute angle closure, which is a prelude to acute primary angle closure. Attacks can manifest as eye redness and severe eye pain with associated ipsilateral headache.

How to prevent glaucoma?

If you are at risk to developing glaucoma, such as having a family history or a recent eye injury, Dr. Yap strongly recommends getting a regular screening for this eye disease. She then discourages self-medication, especially with the use of oral steroids. You really need to see an eye doctor immediately as early detection is deemed as the best treatment.

Here are tips from the American Association of Ophthalmology to prevent vision loss from glaucoma:

1. Have a healthy diet consisting of generous amounts of green leafy vegetables and colorful fruits. These food items are rich in vitamins and minerals not only your yes but your whole body.

2. Exercise with caution. Avoid intense exercise that raises your heart rate also your eye pressure. Stick to brisk walking and regular exercise at a moderate pace. These activities can lower eye pressure and improve your overall health.

3. Protect your eyes from injury by always wearing protective eyewear during sports or while working on your home using sharp implements.

4. Avoid head-down positions if you already have glaucoma or you're at high risk for it. Placing your head below your heart for long periods of time can greatly raise your eye pressure. Consult your doctor before doing such positions, like when exercising or doing yoga.

5. If you have glaucoma, try not to sleep with your eye against the pillow or on your arm.

6. Keep your mouth clean because recent research links gum disease with optic nerve damage in glaucoma.

7. If you're taking medication for high blood pressure or you're experiencing low blood pressure, make sure to tell your ophthalmologist to make the necessary adjustments.

8. Protect your eyes from sunlight as ultraviolent (UV) rays can cause glaucoma. Make it a point to wear quality polarized sunglasses, as well as a hat when exploring the outdoors. Having such habits can help you on how to prevent glaucoma.

Read here on why you should bring your six-month old baby for an exam.