What Should Glaucoma Patients Avoid?

By Author: James Croley
Total Articles: 3
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Although a diagnosis of glaucoma is not life-threatening, it can bring about lifestyle changes and fears for the future. Significant vision loss at the time of diagnosis may affect driving, employment and, independence. With early detection and treatment by the best eye doctor in Cape Coral, glaucoma can be managed and loss of vision need not occur.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease in which the pressure in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve that can lead to a loss of vision. The goal of glaucoma treatment in Cape Coral by an ophthalmologist in Cape Coral is to lower the pressure in the eye, which can be done with eye drops and medications or surgical procedures, such as laser surgery. Little information is known about nutrition and its relationship to glaucoma. Although research is ongoing, an optometrist in Cape Coral FL like Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida has some simple suggestions for dietary changes that may have an effect on glaucoma. Glaucoma affects more than 64 million people worldwide, and it’s one of the largest causes of blindness in the world. While it’s undeniable that regular eye ...
... tests can help detect early signs, there are lots of surprising facts about the condition that is not as evident.

Glaucoma is a common eye condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged. It usually occurs as a result of fluid building up in the front part of the eye, which increases pressure inside the eye. If the condition is left untreated or not treated early enough it can lead to loss of vision. With that, you should start avoiding some things that increase the symptoms of glaucoma, your life will become so much better. Although glaucoma is being researched continuously, with many studies in the works, one thing is evident. Certain foods and activities can be harmful to your road to recovery with glaucoma. Let’s find out what should glaucoma patients avoid?

Caffeine.
One of the main substances in coffee can cause a several point rise in eye pressure that lasts for at least 90 minutes. Whether that increase is of concern is best addressed between the patient and their eye doctor. A good rule of thumb is to exercise moderation with caffeine consumption. One cup of coffee is unlikely to cause any harm, but if you like to drink large amounts of coffee consider switching some of that consumption to decaffeinated.

Smoking is also bad for glaucoma patients.
Smoking has now been shown to be a risk factor for developing diabetes which is in turn known to increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

Foods with trans fatty acids.
Trans fatty acids have been found to be associated with higher cholesterol levels. Trans fats can damage blood vessels throughout the body, and blood vessel damage may play a role in injury to the optic nerve in glaucoma. Avoiding processed foods like cookies, cakes, French fries, and donuts will lower your intake of trans fatty acids. Eliminating these types of foods may improve your overall health, including your eye health.

Food allergens.
People with allergies may be at higher risk for glaucoma. The relationship between food allergies and glaucoma is not known at this time. Typical foods that are often the cause of allergies include soy, dairy, wheat and, corn. You should work with your physician to remove the foods that may cause allergic reactions from your diet.

Our ophthalmologist at Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida would agree that you should eat a healthy and balanced diet if you have glaucoma; limiting your intake of unhealthy fats like trans fats or saturated fats is an important part of a healthy diet. Eliminating any foods that you may be allergic to and limiting your intake of caffeinated coffee may also positively affect your glaucoma. At the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida, you are cared for by the best, led by Dr. James E. Croley III. Learn more about our glaucoma treatment services. Request an appointment today.