Aerobic exercise is a great option for staying healthy while managing your glaucoma. This type of exercise includes activities like walking, swimming, biking, or working out with stationary machines like treadmills. These exercise types can increase blood circulation, which benefits the heart and brain.
As yoga teachers, we are trained to tell people with glaucoma to avoid headstands and most inverted poses, due to an increase in pressure in the eyes. This pressure is already elevated in people with glaucoma, and high levels of intraocular pressure (IOP) can lead to optic nerve damage and eventually blindness.
Patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma should also avoid large compound maneuvers such as squats, bench press, dead-lifts, or leg presses with heavyweights. At least one study has shown negative impact on IOP with heavyweights and compound exercises (bench press).
Exercise for glaucoma patients may be beneficial. 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.
Any type of activity that positions your head lower than your heart for prolonged periods of time should be avoided, as it could lead to a spike in intraocular pressure. This includes inverted yoga positions (and headstands) or using inversion tables.
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.
Intraocular pressure may become elevated with muscle exertion, changes in body position and increased respiratory volumes, especially when Valsalva manoeuver mechanisms are involved. All of these factors may be present during physical exercise, especially if hydration levels are increased.
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.
Stay away from exercise positions that put your head below your waist (such as bending over). This position will increase eye pressure.
Prescription eye drops can stop glaucoma from progressing. Your eye care specialist will recommend how often to return for follow-up exams. Medicare covers a glaucoma test once a year for people in high-risk groups.
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.
Research indicates that sleep problems can be a contributing factor to glaucoma progression. Everything from circadian rhythm, sleep positions, sleep apnea, and even the pillow a person uses can impact glaucoma.
Low-level weight routines are fine, and patients with mild cases of glaucoma may be able to do their regular weight training routines. In all cases, continuing to breathe/exhale while lifting is very important. Yoga, pilates, and stretching–but eliminating certain positions (see below).
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.
Doctors use different types of treatment for glaucoma, including medicines (usually eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery. If you have glaucoma, it's important to start treatment right away. Treatment won't undo any damage to your vision, but it can stop it from getting worse.
Bananas, avocados, pumpkin seeds, and black beans are great sources to help you meet the recommended daily allowance of 300-400 magnesium. Though more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that dietary magnesium may benefit people with glaucoma by improving blood flow to the eye.
Fluid drainage failure causes the high pressure. Your eyes constantly make a clear fluid called aqueous humor that flows in front of your eye and then drains out. Normally, an equal amount goes in and out. If the fluid doesn't leave your eye when it should, your IOP increases.
Reading induces a significant increase in IOP, which was more evident in a supine versus sitting position. No differences in IOP increase were found between men and women. Greater levels of discomfort in the back and neck were reported when reading in a seated position.
Age. The major risk factor of primary open-angle glaucoma is age. As we get older, the drainage system no longer functions as well, and the eye pressure can gradually increase.
Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40, although an infant (congenital) form of glaucoma exists.
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.