Vision is one of our most precious senses, and yet so many of us take it for granted. We assume that as long as we can see clearly, our eyes are healthy. However, this is not always the case. Many eye diseases do not show any symptoms until vision has already been affected. That's why it's so important to get a comprehensive eye exam on a regular basis. This is the best way to detect problems early before they cause vision loss. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness all over the world. This brief will explore what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how it can be treated.
Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it generally has no early warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, permanent vision loss may have already occurred. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of all cases. Angle-closure is less common but more serious, because it can lead to a sudden increase in eye pressure, resulting in severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. This can progress to permanent vision loss within days or even hours if left untreated.
Fortunately, glaucoma can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam and is treatable if caught early. There are several different treatments available, and the goal of treatment is to prevent vision loss by lowering eye pressure. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, or are at risk for developing the disease, there are some things you can do to help prevent vision loss. Here are some steps you can take to prevent glaucoma:
Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam
This is the best way to detect glaucoma early before vision loss occurs. Be sure to tell your optometrist if you have a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors for the disease. Glaucoma can be inherited, so it's important to know if anyone in your family has the disease. This will help your optometrist determine if you are at increased risk of developing glaucoma.
Get Regular Exercise
As we age, it's important to stay active and exercise regularly. Exercise helps improve blood circulation and reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a risk factor for glaucoma. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to a number of health problems, so get up and move your body every day! Even a moderate amount of exercise can make a big difference in your overall health. So put on your sneakers and go for a walk, ride your bike, or take a swim.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is not just good for your overall health, but it may help to lower your risk of developing glaucoma to a limited extent. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce Intraocular Pressure (IOP), which is a leading cause of glaucoma. In addition, a healthy diet can also help to protect the optic nerve, which is susceptible to damage from high IOP. While there is no guarantee that eating a healthy diet will prevent glaucoma, it is certainly worth incorporating into your overall eye health plan.
Don't Smoke
Smoking is a risk factor for many health problems, including glaucoma. Smoking can damage the optic nerve and increase IOP, both of which are risk factors for glaucoma. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your overall health, including your eye health. There are many resources available to help you quit smoking, so talk to your doctor about what might work best for you.
Manage Your Diabetes
If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness, so it's important to do everything you can to prevent it. In addition, people with diabetes are also at increased risk for glaucoma, so be sure to get regular comprehensive eye exams.
Manage Your High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to hypertensive retinopathy. Hypertensive retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness, so it's important to do everything you can to prevent it. In addition, people with high blood pressure are also at increased risk for glaucoma, so be sure to get regular comprehensive eye exams.
Termination: Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. However, there are steps you can take to prevent vision loss from glaucoma. Be sure to get a comprehensive eye exam and follow the other tips listed above to help keep your sight. You can also contact Eyecare Studio Singapore to help you with glaucoma screening, especially if you are in the higher risk group. Eyecare Studio also collaborates with ophthalmologists in Singapore to do follow up if you are already diagnosed with glaucoma.