Known as the silent thief of sight, glaucoma gradually damages the eye, typically before any warning signs are recognized. Many individuals experience vision loss or impairment due to glaucoma, and it is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Prevention is key when it comes to this serious eye condition. Ahead, Dr. Stein shares important information about what you can do to preserve your vision.
Understand Your Risk
Some people are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma than others. Because this eye condition can cause irreparable damage to the optical nerve without symptoms, it is important that you are aware of the risk factors associated with glaucoma including:
- Familial history of glaucoma
- High eye pressure
- Refractive errors (farsightedness and nearsightedness)
- Injury or trauma to the eye
- Thin corneas
- Thin optic nerve
- Diabetes, migraines, and other health conditions
Glaucoma Prevention
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent glaucoma-related vision loss and blindness.
Regular eye exams: Healthy eyes start with understanding your risk, and early diagnosis and treatment can preserve vision in many patients with glaucoma. During an eye exam, Dr. Stein will check your eye pressure, examine your eye’s drainage angle, check for optic nerve damage, and test for signs of vision loss. Even if you do not have any risk factors for glaucoma, you should still receive regular exams based on your age.
Healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet can benefit your eye health and prevent serious eye conditions, including glaucoma. Increasing your consumption of green leafy vegetables can protect your eyes from vision loss. Additionally, incorporating moderate exercise can improve the health of your eyes. While some rigorous exercises can raise eye pressure, moderate activity can lower the pressure in your eyes, which is key to preventing the development of glaucoma.
Protective eyewear: Eye injuries, especially serious trauma to the eye, can lead to glaucoma — sometimes years after the injury has occurred. Wearing protective eyewear during activities where eye injuries can occur, such as during contact sports and while completing home improvement projects, can help prevent traumatic glaucoma.
Ask about your medications: Steroid medications can raise your eye pressure over time. If you are taking steroids, ask Dr. Stein about your risk.
Healthy Eyes in Toronto
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of glaucoma, but regular eye exams are the best method for preventing significant damage stemming from the condition. Dr. Stein is dedicated to helping patients preserve their vision and the health of their eyes. Schedule a consultation online or call our office today.