With age comes clarity, the sights our eyes take in each day are processed through the lenses of wisdom and gratitude. Unfortunately, visual impairments such as glaucoma can take away our ability to see the beauty of nature and the faces of loved ones. Glaucoma is the name given to a group of eye conditions involving an increase in pressure on optic nerve. This pressure can cause nerve damage and a range of visual impairments.
Glaucoma can sometimes go unnoticed until it’s too late to correct. However, with education, regular eye exams, and supplements you can reduce your risk of glaucoma and maintain your vision beyond your golden years. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Keep reading to learn more!
5 Ways to Slow the Progression of Glaucoma
01. Get Regular Eye Exams
An optometrist can run eye exams and pressure tests to determine optic nerve function. If he or she notices anything concerning, the optometrist can discuss intervention with you before you develop visual impairment.
02. Wear Protective Eyewear
Eye damage from sports injuries can increase your risk of optic nerve pressure and glaucoma. If you’re heading off to play tennis with friends, protect your eyes with goggles to ensure your vision stays sharp.
03. Use Prescribed Eye Drops
If your doctor detects optic nerve pressure, he or she will likely prescribe eye drops designed to slow or avoid visual damage. These eye drops are essential in keeping glaucoma from progressing, so use them as directed.
04. Stay Active
Staying active can maintain a healthy blood pressure throughout the body. Moderate exercise may help reduce eye pressure. Keeping a jogging or walking routine is a good place to start, but check with your doctor before beginning a new fitness regimen.
05. Know Your Family History
Glaucoma can be genetic, so the more you understand about your family’s medical history the more proactive you can be able your own eye health. If glaucoma runs in your family, tell your doctor so they can screen appropriately.
Supplements for Glaucoma Prevention
The best way to ensure you’re getting the nutrition needed to support healthy vision is to eat a diet rich in a rainbow of fruits and veggies. However, supplements can be a great way to fill in the nutritional gaps.
B Vitamins:Â B vitamins such as vitamin B12, have been shown to reduce visual field loss and retinal sensitivity. If you’re looking to up your daily intake of vitamin B12, try Liquid B12 Drops from Pure Encapsulations. These drops contain methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, which is the easiest form of B12 for your body to use and metabolize.
Vitamin C Supplements:Â Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which affects thousands of systems in the body, including the eyes and optic nerve. Ensuring your diet is full of citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and cabbage is a great way to support healthy vision. If you need a supplement to ensure adequate daily intake, check out Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C from LivOn Laboratories. Each packet contains 1,000 mg of bioavailable vitamin C, which can be easily stirred into a glass or water or juice.
Ginkgo Biloba Supplements:Â Ginkgo Biloba is an antioxidant which may increase ocular blood flow and improve the visual field in glaucoma patients. Studies show that taking ginkgo biloba may be beneficial for all forms of glaucoma. Add this powerful antioxidant to your daily routine with Ginkgo Biloba Double Strength Potency capsules from NOW Foods.
Is glaucoma screening or prevention a part of your health plan? Share your experiences and tips for better vision with us in the comments section below.
