Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated. It happens when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high, damaging the optic nerve. It generally affects older people but isn’t limited to that age group. It’s important that you get treatment quickly after realizing that you have it.
Often, glaucoma has no early symptoms. It starts by taking away side vision. By the time you notice you have it, it might be quite advanced. In this article, we will go over several things to know about glaucoma so you can take the necessary steps to get rid of it quickly.
1 – The diagnosis
Once your general practitioner realizes that your eye problems are caused by glaucoma, they will send you to an ophthalmologist. This is an eye doctor that will have specialized equipment to give you a proper diagnosis.
They will explain your specific type of glaucoma and how it affects your eyes. It’s important to ask questions and understand your treatment options. They will also schedule regular check-ups to monitor your eye pressure and vision.
Some doctors will give you a prescription for medical marijuana for a dispensary such as NYC BUD Queens, NY. Marijuana can lower the pressure inside the eye. However, this decrease in eye pressure only lasts for a few hours. It’s not meant to be a treatment but just a stop gap during your other treatment plan.
2 – Treatment options
The most common form of treatment is medication such as eye drops. These drops work by either reducing the amount of fluid the eye makes or helping it flow out of the eye more easily.
Another option is laser therapy. This can be done in several ways. One common method uses a laser to open the drainage area in the eye. This procedure is usually quick, can be done in a doctor’s office, and is relatively painless. The effects can last for years, but it may need to be repeated.
If those treatments don’t work then surgery is likely to be recommended. There are different types of surgeries for glaucoma. One common type is where the surgeon creates a new drainage path for the eye fluid. Another option is implanting a small drainage device.
3 – Lifestyle adjustments
When you’re doing your treatments you can give your chances of success a boost by making some lifestyle changes instead of relying solely on treatment. For instance, diet and exercise can positively impact overall eye health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach and kale, can provide the right nutrients for eye health.
Regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the optic nerve and reduce eye pressure. However, it’s important to avoid exercises that put your head below your heart, like certain yoga poses, as they can increase eye pressure. Doing cardio exercises such as brisk walks, jogging, or riding a stationary bicycle are your best bet.
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