The National Eye Institute recognizes January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. You may not realize that anyone, even young children, can develop glaucoma, which can lead to severe vision loss and blindness. Though it’s most common among those over 40, and certain groups are at greater risk of developing it, we all should learn the facts about glaucoma—a disorder for which there is not yet a cure. In the spirit of spreading Glaucoma awareness, we’ll discuss some facts, symptoms and prevention tips.
The Facts
What causes it?
The cornea and iris are angled to allow the drainage of fluid, which flows continuously to nourish surrounding tissues. But when that fluid cannot leave the eye, pressure builds inside. This increased pressure is most often what damages the optic nerve and leads to glaucoma, per the National Eye Institute (NEI). Blood pressure should also be maintained at proper levels to prevent optic nerve damage, NEI experts say.What types of glaucoma exist?
There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle (or wide-angle) glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. According to WebMD, open-angle glaucoma is the most common, and is typically inherited, emerging later in life. Congenital glaucoma affects children, and low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma affects those who have normal levels of eye pressure but still have optic nerve damage. A number of secondary glaucomas may also develop, but these are rare, or emerge as a complication from a related condition.How many are affected?
More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but nearly half of them may not even know they have it, says the BrightFocus Foundation, an organization who funds the National Glaucoma Research Program.
The Symptoms
How is glaucoma detected?
What makes early detection and prevention of glaucoma most difficult is the fact that, in its earliest stages, there are little to no recognizable symptoms or even pain, per WebMD. Your vision stays normal, according to the NEI, and one or both eyes can be affected. That’s why regular eye exams with a trusted provider are essential, especially if there is a history of glaucoma in your family.
What are the warning signs?
When signs and symptoms appear, the first one is generally side/peripheral vision loss—which is easy to miss. As pressure inside the eye increases though, sudden eye pain, blurred vision, headache, and the appearance of halos around lights should prompt a call for urgent medical attention. Also seek care immediately if you notice redness or haziness in the eyes, vision loss, tunnel vision, or vomiting/nausea.Prevention
What can I do to prevent vision loss related to glaucoma?
While heredity is hard to overcome, there are things you can do to prevent glaucoma—and many of these tips promote better health in general.
First, know your family history and your risk for developing glaucoma. Schedule regular exams and keep in touch with your eye doctor, especially if you are at risk. Glaucoma tests are quick and painless, says WebMD, and a long-term tracking of your visual health will make early detection and diagnosis much easier.
Exercising and eating a healthy, balanced diet can preserve those all-important eye pressure levels, and foods high in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are the most effective protectors, as they are found in higher amounts in our eyes, the Glaucoma Research Foundation says. And despite the long-standing belief that carrots are good for your eyes, kale, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables will do a much better job of healthy vision maintenance.
Other foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin include pumpkin, summer squash, green olives, corn, broccoli, and green pepper (see the full list). Foods rich in zinc and in vitamins A, C, and E are also beneficial, but as always, check with your doctor to make sure you’re not getting too much of these nutrients, as an “overdose” of them can lead to other health problems.
Good useful article especially the fact that you tell what nutrients and vitamins are helpful in the prevention of glaucoma.
Michelle, thanks for sharing some information about glaucoma. I didn’t realize that more than half of people with glaucoma don’t even know that they have it. It is scary that there aren’t very many recognizable symptoms during the early stages. You make a good point about how this is why regular eye exams are so important. I will have to start taking better care of myself and find a good optometrist.
My mom has glaucoma, and so I definitely am interested in what you have to say about prevention for myself. Because of this, I definitely want to start going to regular exams. However, how often would you consider to be regular?
Thank you for your question, Katie. Most eye care experts recommend an eye exam every one to two years – more often if you are older or have existing eye issues.
Hi, thank you so much for this info. My question is,is it true that light colored eyes are more susceptible to this eye disease? Out of my 7 siblings 5 of us have it and the ones that don’t all have brown eyes. Have heard this but wasn’t sure if it was true or not. Also I’m sure my grandma had and never was treated for it and was leagaly blind .
Thank you for the comment, Chris. While there are some findings about dark eyes being more susceptible to cataracts and light colored eyes being more susceptible to macular degeneration with age, there does not seem to be much information around eye color and glaucoma. (Source: https://www.prevention.com/health/eye-color-and-health/slide/7)
I heard smoking marijuana reduces the pressure in your eye true or false
According to Glaucoma.org, “although marijuana can lower the eye pressure, recommending this drug in any form for the treatment of glaucoma at the present time does not make sense given its side effects and short duration of action, coupled with a lack of evidence that its use alters the course of glaucoma.” Here are some links to more information on this topic from established Glaucoma resource groups:
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/medical-marijuana-glaucoma-treament
https://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/should-you-be-smoking-marijuana-to-treat-your-glaucoma-1.php
http://www.americanglaucomasociety.net/patients/position_statements/marijuana_glaucoma
It can lower the pressure,this is per my eye Dr. Who I trust more than someones “Opinion” What isnt mentioned in this is How some Medications can add to the Glaucoma. Lorazepam,comes to mind. I took it 24 yrs. I didnt inherit this Glaucoma,My Mother has MD and is legally blind. It would be nice yo know a list of Medications that could also add to This Disease. Oh,It’s the Sativa Strain that helps lower Pressure. Indica not so much. I use Sativa and 1 Eye Drop at nite to keep my pressure down. One thing tho,it only lowers it a short time. That much I do know. 🌿
By the time I was diaganosed it was only a matter of months before I lost all sight in my left eye. I even had the laser surgery and lots of eyedrops. Now I just pray I don’t lose the right eye too. And I have always eaten lots of greens.
Kaiser Optician noticed something in my left eye and said it was possibly the beginning of Glaucoma. I told her my Dad had it in his 80’s, so she gave me
prescription for eye drops. That was awhile ago, so I may go in and have her check the eye again. Meanwhile, my prescription has been renewed twice. However, I have not noticed any loss of peripheral vision.