Understanding Glaucoma
It is a life full of stress and pressure. But in the maddening jog of our daily lives, we ignore that another kind of pressure can be slowly creeping into areas we least suspect being affected. Like our eyes. And when that happens, conditions like Glaucoma turn up.
It is a problem that may be caused due to an increased pressure in the eyes that ultimately is recognised by typical damage to the optic nerve, and hence, affects side vision first. Later central vision is also affected leading to blindness. It is a disease that is slow and painless, and thus the most important one to watch out for.
Do not let it precipitate due to your ignorance.
Regular checkups – time to rein in glaucoma
Since glaucoma develops and deepens at a subtle pace, the only recourse here is regular check-ups. It is hard to reverse any loss that glaucoma causes but regular eye-examinations can aid immensely in early detection of this problem and hence preservation of remaining sight is possible.
As most people with glaucoma would not feel any early symptoms or pain, if one is over 35-40 years of age and has a family history of glaucoma, then check-ups should be frequent. Make sure that a complete eye exam is administered every few months. Visit a proper expert for this. It is well within your right to ask about the health of your optic nerve, and not merely your eye pressure.
Immediate treatment – Can we slow it down?
Yes, a number of ways have been found and fortified to arrest the pace of glaucoma even if it sets in. It is hard to reverse this condition, but one can definitely put brakes on its speed.
Like, with use of superior anti-glaucoma eye drops, new formulations in medications and some advanced treatment options. Today, healthcare dens, like Neoretina Eye Care Institute can offer new technology solutions where prompt detection and resolution of acute angle closure is possible.
Neoretina has been constantly busy in leveraging new techniques in glaucoma surgery.
These include:
- Planting the glaucoma filtration device (for controlled filtration)
- New types of valves
- Sophisticated vitreoretinal techniques for complicated glaucoma procedures
- Experience of super specialists and advanced state-of-the-art equipment for early detection and surgical management of glaucoma
Home-based measures – a peek
While overall body health can be a key determinant of eye health, one should note that diet and exercise should also take into cognisance the special needs of a body part like the eyes. One’s dietary choices can have foods and types that have more carotene and Vitamin A/E, eg- spinach, all types of leafy greens, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lima beans, citrus fruits, eggs, sweet potatoes, oysters, carrot and nuts.
Your food should be rich in nutrients like zinc, copper, selenium, lutein, zeaxanthin, and antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A. Whatever food item is is green, yellow or orange is,generally, a good thing for eyes.
Plus, any predisposition to diabetes or blood pressure is a red flag and one should take extra caution to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure level. Avoid sunlight and stress on eyes. One can also gain from the reduction of caffeine (for better eye pressure) and regular exercise. Take advice from your doctor about exercises that may be detrimental for eye-pressure eg shirshasana. If an eye condition is detected that relates to eye pressure, consult the doctor on how much and how frequently can one consume fluids in a day. Elevating one’s sleep position with extra pillows and props is also handy.
Dos’
Regular eye exam
Regular consumption of coloured fruits and vegetables
Sleep in propped-up position
Moderation
Limit consumption of caffeine
Donts’
Stop head down exercises
Reduction in stress for stopping glaucoma progression
What is also useful is trying to control stress; try to incorporate meditation and other ways of relaxation in your daily routine.
Glaucoma is a serious condition and India is projected to become the world capital of glaucoma in the near future. But what is unique about this condition is that the sight loss caused by glaucoma is progressive, however this progression can be halted. Let us make pledge. Let us nip it in the bud and not let it progress
- Winning Over Glaucoma - January 5, 2019
- Glaucoma: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment - October 24, 2018
