A bright sunny day can cause not only discomfort due to a patient's sensitivity, but also create glare off surfaces such as sand, water, glass, or pavement. In addition, some glaucoma medications (miotics) constrict the pupils which can be a contributor to glare problems.
One of the biggest side effects of glaucoma-related photophobia is glare sensitivity that can be worsened by sunlight as well as fluorescents, LED or other artificial light. This makes it difficult for patients to perform normal activities of living such as driving at night and going outside.
Sunglasses are essential for everyone. But if you have glaucoma, they have added benefits. Sunglasses can slow the progression of your symptoms, help you see more clearly, and ease discomfort from light sensitivity. Talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist to choose the right sunglasses for you.
Higher heatwaves were significantly correlated with higher OR of glaucoma, with the OR (95% CI) ranging from 1.014 (1.009, 1.018) to 1.090 (1.065, 1.115) by different definitions. Glaucoma was affected by heatwaves more strongly than by cold spells.
High trans fats have been proven to cause damage to the optic nerve. Time to cut out fried foods, baked goods and any product with an ingredient list that includes hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Saturated foods that include red meat, beef, lard, shortening and oils can also worsen glaucoma.
Diets high in fruits such as have been shown to lower the risk of glaucoma development. The most discussed benefit is through antioxidants. As oxidative stress is associated with optic nerve injury, fruits high in antioxidants, such as pomegranate, acai berries, cranberries offer the most neuroprotection.
Many people assume that 'using your eyes' can worsen your glaucoma. Reading, watching TV or using your phone or computer does not have any impact on your glaucoma.
No strong evidence suggests excessive use of digital technology is a glaucoma risk factor. However, prolonged computer, tablet, cell phone, and other digital device use can lead to eye strain.
Drinking a quart of water in less than five minutes has been shown to increase intraocular pressure; instead, advise your patients to drink small amounts of water often to stay hydrated.
Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active, and avoiding smoking will help you avoid vision loss from glaucoma. These healthy behaviors will also help prevent type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.
TheraSpecs indoor glaucoma glasses and outdoor glaucoma sunglasses are a natural source of relief for light sensitivity. The TheraSpecs tint—which has been proven effective for other eye-related conditions (such as blepharospasm)—blocks the part of light that can be most painful for a person with glaucoma.
For many people, glaucoma doesn't lead to substantial vision loss, especially in the condition's early stages. If your diagnosis comes quite late or goes on to cause significant vision loss, then this sight loss may be considered a disability. This can mean you're eligible for support such as benefits.
When you're out in the sun, your eyes have to process a large number of light rays. Inevitably, some harmful UV rays will come your way. These UV rays could contribute to the formation of exfoliation material in the anterior segment of your eye, clogging the drain and dialing up pressure in the eye.
The most common treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops. They work by lowering the pressure in your eye and preventing damage to your optic nerve. These eye drops won't cure glaucoma or reverse vision loss, but they can keep glaucoma from getting worse.
In the worst-case scenario, stress can trigger an attack of acute angle-closure (also called narrow-angle) glaucoma. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
We suggest that anxiety increase the risk of glaucoma progression and they are also associated with IOP profile and disc hemorrhage.
Glaucoma is a slowly progressing problem. On an average, untreated Glaucoma takes around 10-15 years to advance from early damage to total blindness. With an IOP (Intraocular Pressure) of 21-25 mmHg it takes 15 yrs to progress, an IOP of 25-30 mmHg around seven years and pressure more than 30 mmHg takes three years.
Absolutely. The aim of treating patients with glaucoma is for them to be able to maintain their quality of life and live as normally as possible. Patients with glaucoma have a normal life expectancy and, with treatment, can carry out activities as they did before diagnosis.
People with glaucoma also need to consider where they lay their heads when it's time for sleep. With the knowledge that IOP rises at night or whenever a person is prone, many doctors have advised their patients to sleep in an upright position.
While people living with glaucoma may have to make adjustments, you don't have to limit your life because of glaucoma. Most people can live an active and fulfilling life. However, living with glaucoma may require increased visits to your eye care team and adherence to medications.
Research has shown that regular exercise may lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. It does not have to be rigorous exercise to have a beneficial effect, but rather a brisk walk every other day for 20 to 30 minutes.
Dark Chocolate
Even if your Dove bar doesn't sharpen your vision, the flavonoids found in dark chocolate may help improve vision in people with glaucoma as well as reduce the risk for macular degeneration.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, and it has no cure.