10 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Losing Vision from Glaucoma
Recent studies have identified a number of lifestyle
factors that actually influence eye pressure which is a major risk factor for
glaucoma. By either avoiding or embracing certain habits you can have a
positive effect on your risk of glaucoma.
Get
Regular Exercise.
A recent study showed that
people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity appear to have a
73 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. This is because blood flow and
pressure inside the eye may change with exercise, which may affect glaucoma
risk.
Eat
a Diet Rich in Fruits & Green Leafy Vegetables. One study showed that people who
ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing
glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide,
which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye.
Drink
Tea, BUT Coffee Only in Moderation. A recent study last month showed that
people who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had 74 percent decreased
odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea. A
little coffee is fine, but excessive caffeine intake is not ideal. One study
found that drinking 5 or more cups of caffeinated coffee increased the risk of
developing glaucoma. How can tea help? Antioxidants and the flavonoids contained
in tea may improve the body’s ability to prevent the harmful effects of free
radical damage.
Consider
a Magnesium Dietary Supplement. We now know that an adequate
intake of dietary magnesium may be beneficial for patients with glaucoma
because of improved circulation.
Brush,
Floss & See Your Dentist Regularly. A recent study showed that tooth
loss may be linked to increased glaucoma risk due to because periodontal or gum
disease stimulating and inflammatory response that can contribute to glaucoma.
Don’t
Smoke. Studies clearly show that
smoking cigarettes increases the risk of glaucoma, and has an overall negative
impact on eye health.
Maintain
a Healthy Body Weight. Studies show that people
with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for diabetes, and
having diabetes puts people at risk of glaucoma. Having a too low BMI is also
associated with increased glaucoma risk.
Avoid
Inverted Yoga Positions. Studies show head-down
positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma
patients.
Avoid
Neckties. Researchers say that a
too-tight necktie may increase the risk of glaucoma by
increasing blood pressure inside the eyes.
Get
Regular Eye Exams & Glaucoma Testing. Especially if
you have a family history of the condition you are at greater risk and need
more frequent eye exams and testing. Researchers have recently
identified certain genes that increase the risk of glaucoma. Those at higher risk of
glaucoma include
people of African descent, people with diabetes, and those with a family
history of glaucoma. You are at greatly increased risk if you have a parent or
brother or sister with glaucoma.
If you or someone you know is
concerned about their glaucoma risk and is considering making lifestyle
changes, before making changes please be sure to schedule an eye exam at Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center,
Google or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter
Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. and Alabama Eye
& Cataract Center, P.C. are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located
at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and
staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
