Know How to Prevent Glaucoma Occurring at a Young Age

“Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve which, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. How to prevent it can be done by carrying out regular checkups, exercising regularly, and eating healthy foods.

Halodoc, Jakarta – According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 50 percent of people are not aware that they have glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve.

Many people do not realize it because this disease often does not show early symptoms. In fact, complications of glaucoma can lead to loss of vision or blindness. So, the question is, how do you prevent glaucoma at a young age?

Recognize the Two Main Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma, namely open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

Open angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common glaucoma. This condition occurs gradually when the eye does not secrete enough fluid. As a result, eye pressure increases and begins to damage the optic nerve.

This type of glaucoma is painless and does not cause vision changes at first. However, it must be treated immediately so that complications do not occur.

Closed angle glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage angle of the eye, so that the drainage angle is blocked or blocked. As a result, fluids cannot circulate through the eye and eye pressure can increase very quickly. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately because it can cause blindness complications.

Also find out about other types of glaucoma through the following article, “These are 5 Types of Glaucoma to Watch Out for”.

Various Ways to Prevent Glaucoma

Glaucoma can put you at risk of blindness. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms of glaucoma and how to prevent it.

Here are some ways you can prevent glaucoma:

1. Do regular eye exams

The best preventive measure to prevent glaucoma is to have regular eye exams. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect glaucoma in its early stages, before significant complications develop.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology in the United States recommends carrying out a comprehensive eye examination every 5 to 10 years for those under 40 years of age.

Meanwhile, for ages 40-54 years eye examinations every 2 to 4 years, ages 55-64 years examinations every 1 to 3 years, and ages over 65 years examinations every 1 to 2 years. If you are at risk for glaucoma, then you need to be screened more frequently.

2. Exercise routine

Studies have shown that moderate exercise, such as walking or jogging three times a week or more, can lower IOP. IOP is intraocular pressure, which is the pressure in the eye that keeps the eye working properly and staying healthy.

If you do yoga, avoid upside down positions like headstand or shoulderstandbecause this position can increase IOP.

3. Use eye protection

Eye injuries can lead to traumatic glaucoma or secondary glaucoma. Wearing eye protection will prevent the eyes from glaucoma. You can use protective glasses when doing certain sports or when using power tools.

4. Consume healthy food

“You are what you eat”, what you eat affects the health of your body. Consuming foods with good nutrition for the eyes can prevent glaucoma.

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins A and C, and contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients may protect against oxidative stress associated with damage to the optic nerve and other eye tissues in glaucoma.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E. Consuming it regularly can maintain cell health, and protect the body from free radicals that can damage the retina’s protective tissue.

In addition to eating fish, especially salmon, tuna, sardines and other fish which are high in omega-3s, it has also been shown to reduce eye pressure which is a factor in glaucoma.

Those are tips for preventing glaucoma at a young age. If you feel you have glaucoma symptoms, you can immediately consult an eye doctor through the application Halodoc. Come on downloads Halodoc Now.

Reference:

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved 2023. What Is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment.

Glaucoma Research Foundation. Accessed in 2023. What Can I Do to Prevent Glaucoma?

WebMd. Retrieved 2023. Want to Avoid Glaucoma? What You Eat May Help