Diet and Nutrition's Impact on Glaucoma Prevention & Treatment

How to Improve Glaucoma with Diet

Protecting your eyes may be one of the most important things you can do in early and mid adulthood to save yourself from the long-term impact of progressive eye diseases as you age.

One such eye condition, glaucoma, can strike anyone at any age, including newborns. However, the frequency for developing glaucoma most notably increases with age. Additionally, since most minority groups are at risk for developing glaucoma, it is vitally important to balance your lifestyle in early adulthood so as to decrease the risk of glaucoma into the elder part of your life.

Glaucoma is a condition by which intraocular eye pressure may be present with a notable decrease in peripheral vision capability. In fact, many glaucoma sufferers report normal central vision, or central acuity.

While surgery and eye drops are effective ways in which to treat glaucoma, there are supplemental treatments that should also be considered when diagnosed with glaucoma. These supplemental treatments, even before glaucoma is present, may work to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma should you fall into a high risk group for the progressive eye disease.

I'm sure you have heard, time and time again, the health benefits of consuming fruits, vegetables and grains. With the risk of glaucoma, the consumption of these foods is vitally important. Because antioxidants work to reduce the number of free radicals in the body, the progress of natural cellular degeneration can be slowed. Additionally, for eye disorders, vitamin C and vitamin E, coupled with beta-carotene, is also important. To consume foods rich in these nutrients, it is important to each green, leafy vegetables but also fruits and vegetables that are naturally color rich in red, orange and yellow.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, and chromium, found in cheese lean meat and whole grains, also provides a direct benefit to the eyes; increasing the insulin receptors and protecting small blood vessels of the eye.