How to Stop the Progression of Glaucoma

Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness for people over the age of 60, has few warning signs in its early stages. Vision changes often progress slowly, and without testing, you may not know you have a form of glaucoma until after permanent damage occurs. 

Once diagnosed, though, you can take steps to stop the progression of glaucoma under the guidance of the specialists at Eye Surgeons Associates, with three Michigan locations. We have the experience and expertise you need to get your condition under control. 

We’ve prepared this blog to aid your understanding of how to stop the progression of glaucoma, and you can use this as a basis for discussion with us during your next visit. 

Glaucoma basics

Glaucoma groups a number of conditions that usually feature elevated pressure inside your eyes — conditions that can damage your optic nerve, the information conduit between the eye and the brain.  

Your eye contains a fluid called aqueous humor, and your body produces new fluid while draining old fluid away. Glaucoma typically occurs when this system falls out of balance. 

The major types of glaucoma include: 

• Open-angle glaucoma: The normal eye drain remains open but other parts of the system interfere with eye drainage; this is the most common type
• Closed-angle glaucoma: The iris bulges and blocks normal eye drainage
• Pigmentary glaucoma: The granules that give eyes their color flake away and impede normal drainage

In each of these cases, the loss of drainage function causes pressure to build within the eye. One exception is normal-tension glaucoma, a poorly understood condition in which the optic nerve becomes damaged but eye pressure remains normal. 

How to stop the progression of glaucoma

Once damage occurs from glaucoma, it’s permanent. When we catch glaucoma in its early stage, we can treat abnormal pressure with eye drops, oral medications, or surgery. 

The most important way you can help to stop the progression of glaucoma is understanding your glaucoma treatment plan and following our guidelines for your medications. Other steps that can help include: 

• Altering your diet: Include plenty of leafy greens, other vegetables, and colored fruits on a daily basis to provide your body with the essential nutrients necessary to protect your eyes
• Choosing protective eyewear: While playing sports or doing yard work, preventing eye injuries also protects you against glaucoma that stems from injury
• Using sun protection: Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure may contribute to a type of glaucoma
• Getting moderate exercise: Activity is good for the body, but intense exertion can raise pressure within your eyes, so choose moderate, low-impact activities instead
• Keeping your head up: Lowering your head below heart level for extended periods can also raise the pressure within your eyes; gravity boots, inversion tables, and even some yoga poses are best avoided

Blood pressure medications and steroids can affect glaucoma in certain situations, so also be sure to let us know the types and quantities of medications you take.

Partner with the experts for your eye care

Contact Eye Surgeons Associates in Canton, Livonia, and Monroe Michigan for all of your eye-related concerns. Call the location nearest you to schedule your visit today.