Glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye, is a leading cause of vision loss among Americans, particularly older adults. While there is not yet a cure for this uncomfortable disease, working with your eye doctor and following your treatment plan closely can help preserve your sight. If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, there are a few things you should and shouldn’t do to keep the condition from progressing.

Do:

Drink water throughout the day.

Drinking small amounts of water throughout the day can help keep your circulation moving and minimize pressure problems in your eye. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t drink a lot of water quickly, as this action can temporarily increase intraocular pressure.

Exercise regularly.

Maintaining a steady fitness routine will keep your overall health in good shape, making it easier for your body to fight glaucoma’s progression. More directly, many exercises can also improve circulation to reduce intraocular pressure. Certain activities such as yoga that may cause blood to rush the head should be avoided, as it can cause eye pressure to increase.

Manage medications properly.

There are many medications your eye doctor may prescribe to ease symptoms and minimize complications related to glaucoma. In order to the get the most out of these treatments, take them regularly as directed. You should also inform all health care providers of this treatment, as other prescription drugs may interfere with the glaucoma medication’s effectiveness.

Don’t:

Irritate your eyes.

Repetitive eye irritation can eventually cause glaucoma-related complications to worsen. Avoid exposure to possible irritants, such as cleaning chemicals and some cosmetics. If you go swimming, wear goggles to shield your eyes from chlorine. Also, if your eyes are itchy, use doctor-approved drops rather than rubbing your eyes.

Smoke or consume caffeine.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking caffeinated beverages such as soda or coffee are known to increase intraocular pressure, which can further complicate glaucoma. For this reason, you should opt for decaffeinated drinks and make a plan to quit smoking if you currently do.

Miss eye appointments.

Keeping up with routine eye exams is critical to monitoring glaucoma progression. Even if your eyes don’t seem to be worsening, maintaining these appointments can help catch problems early and introduce you to treatments that can keep your vision as healthy as possible.

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are concerned about your risk, you can find the comprehensive care you need at MidWest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight. With several locations throughout the greater Cincinnati, OH, and Northern Kentucky area, this provider strives to make eye care a stress-free experience. Using the latest optical technology, this eye doctor screens for common eye diseases and provides effective treatments to help protect your vision. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their advanced treatment options, or call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an appointment with a specialist.