4 Lifestyle Changes to Make When You Have Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated. While medication and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery from Cory Bergman, MD, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Casper, Wyoming are common treatments, making specific lifestyle changes can help manage the disease and protect your eyesight. 

Managing glaucoma requires a bit of effort, but with these four lifestyle shifts, you can stay on top of your condition and thrive.

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients

Eating a diet that supports eye health helps manage glaucoma. Incorporate foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals into your daily meals. Eyes need a little TLC too, and spinach and kale are there to deliver with their wealth of lutein and zeaxanthin - a one-two punch for keeping your eyes in top shape.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and mackerel can reduce inflammation and support overall eye function. Eating foods packed with vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries, can reduce the risk of further optic nerve damage.

2. Exercise regularly to reduce intraocular pressure

Physical activity is not only good for your overall health but also plays a significant role in managing glaucoma. Staying active with regular exercise reduces intraocular pressure, helping to stall glaucoma's damaging effects. Engage in moderate activities like walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 30 minutes a day.

Kickstarting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise can lead to improved blood circulation, reduced stress levels, and a healthy weight - each playing a vital role in keeping IOP in check. However, it’s important to avoid activities that involve heavy lifting or straining, as these can temporarily increase eye pressure.

3. Manage stress through relaxation techniques

Stress can negatively impact your health and exacerbate glaucoma symptoms. When stress levels skyrocket, it can trigger a worrying one-two punch: a spike in blood pressure and a corresponding increase in intraocular pressure, which can really cause havoc on the optic nerve. 

Try adding some stress-busting moves to your daily planner – it could make all the difference in keeping your condition in check. Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are all effective ways to counteract the constant daily grind. Lowering IOP is just the beginning; these techniques also bring a welcome boost to your overall sense of well-being. 

4. Prioritize regular eye exams and monitor your condition

Regular eye exams allow Dr. Bergman to track the disease's development, making the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure you receive the best care possible. Managing glaucoma effectively hinges on two essential habits: taking your prescribed medications as directed and showing up for follow-up appointments.

One valuable habit to get into is tracking your symptoms, medication schedules, and changes in your vision. Dr. Bergman can use this information to customize your care, catch vision problems early, and keep a close eye on them to stop further damage.

Schedule an appointment

Making these lifestyle changes can significantly impact how you manage glaucoma. Schedule an appointment online or call the office to schedule an appointment before making any significant changes to your routine, and remember that taking proactive steps today can help safeguard your sight for the future.