Are you at risk of developing glaucoma? If you are, there are ways for you to reduce your risk with a few simple lifestyle changes. Keep reading to learn how you can reduce your risks of developing glaucoma!
General Health Suggestions
- Don’t smoke
- If you are already a smoker, talk to your doctor about how to quit
- Always wear UVB protection sunglasses and/or sun hats when you go outside
- Do your best to maintain a healthy weight and stay active! Even if you find losing weight difficult, staying active consistently will help you reduce your glaucoma risks.
- Don’t want to go to the gym to workout? Everyday activities like yard work, walking, and swimming burn calories and keep your heart pumping, too
- See your general practitioner regularly to keep tabs on your blood pressure. Make sure to take prescribed medications to keep your blood pressure levels stable
- Follow your doctor’s care plan to maintain and control other health conditions
- Try to limit caffeine levels. You don’t have to give it up entirely, but high amounts of caffeine have been linked to increased eye pressure which is a risk factor for developing glaucoma
- If you are of African-American or Latino /Hispanic descent, you may want to discuss prescription eye drops with your eye doctor at Stahl Eyecare Experts that can cut glaucoma risk in half. This is important because your risk is much higher if you are African-American or Hispanic
- If you know that you are at risk for developing glaucoma, make annual appointments with your eye doctor at Stahl Eyecare Experts
- If you notice that your vision has suddenly changed or worsened, call for an eye exam immediately! This could be a warning sign that glaucoma is developing.
Incorporating Healthy Foods To Reduce Risk
Adding the following foods into your diet can’t guarantee that you won’t develop glaucoma, but they can help your body naturally defend against not only glaucoma but other health conditions as well. These foods include:
- Foods high in vitamin A such as mangoes, egg yolks, liver, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
- Foods high in carotenoids including dark green veggies, as well as fruits and vegetables that are orange.
- Foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin are great for your eyes and essential for good vision health. This group of foods includes kale, spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, mangoes, squash, bell peppers, green beans, and collard greens.
- Foods high in vitamin C including citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, cantaloupe, potatoes (both sweet and white varieties), green peppers, and leafy greens.
- Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like sardines, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and wild caught salmon
- Food high in zinc, which includes red meat, oysters, whole grains, poultry, and beans.
- Foods high in vitamin D including egg yolks, cod liver oil, and fortified milk.
- Foods high in vitamin E such as nut oils, whole grains, eggs, and fruit.
Are There Foods I Should Avoid?
To decrease your risk of developing glaucoma and other health conditions, it’s recommended to eat everything in moderation. Eating large portions on a regular basis and not getting enough exercise can lead to obesity or diabetes. If you are overweight or diabetic, your risk of developing glaucoma skyrockets!
Have questions about glaucoma or concerned you may be at risk of developing it? Schedule a consultation with Stahl Eyecare Experts today!
