Can I prevent Glaucoma?

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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure, or IOP). It can lead to irreversible vision loss — especially peripheral vision — and often has no symptoms until it's advanced.

Can You Prevent It?

You can’t stop glaucoma from developing, but you can:

1.     Lower your risk of developing it

2.     Catch it early and preserve your sight

3.     Prevent progression with early treatment

How to Reduce Your Risk and Protect Your Vision

1. Get Regular Eye Exams

·       This is the most effective “prevention” tool.

·       Eye exams can detect glaucoma before symptoms appear.

Under 40 - Every 5 years

40–60 - Every 2–4 years

Over 60 or high risk - Every 1–2 years

If you have a family history, are Black, Asian, or over 60, or have diabetes or high eye pressure, get checked more often.

2. Manage Health Conditions

·       Control blood pressure and blood sugar (e.g., diabetes).

·       Avoid long-term systemic steroid use, if possible.

3. Exercise Regularly

·       Moderate aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) can help lower eye pressure naturally.

·       Avoid activities that involve straining or head-down positions (like heavy lifting or extreme yoga inversions) if you're at risk.

4. Don’t Smoke

·       Smoking contributes to poor circulation and may increase optic nerve damage.

5. Eat for Eye Health

While diet can’t prevent glaucoma directly, it supports optic nerve health:

·       Leafy greens (may help lower eye pressure)

·       Omega-3s (from oily fish)

·       Antioxidants (vitamin C, E, zinc, lutein)

6. Protect Your Eyes

·       Use eye protection to avoid trauma, which can trigger secondary glaucoma.

·       Wear sunglasses to reduce UV exposure (supports overall eye health).

Warning Signs (Often Appear Late)

Most glaucoma causes no early symptoms, but signs of advanced or acute glaucoma include:

·       Loss of side vision

·       Blurred vision or halos around lights

·       Eye pain or headache (acute cases)

·       Nausea or vomiting

Final Word

You can’t prevent glaucoma itself, but you can prevent vision loss from it.

That’s why regular eye exams are your most powerful defence — especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors.