How to Prevent Glaucoma from Worsening?

Glaucoma, also known as the silent thief of sight, is a progressive eye disease that occurs without warning signs in the early stages. It can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. While there is no permanent glaucoma treatment or cure, taking proactive steps can help to slow down its progression and prevent further damage to vision.

In this blog, we will explore the strategies to manage and prevent the worsening of glaucoma. Let’s get started.

Quick Tips to Prevent Glaucoma From Getting Worse

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve,  due to elevated intraocular pressure. As glaucoma progresses, it can result in peripheral vision loss and, if left untreated, lead to blindness. However, taking some strategic steps can help prevent it from worsening. These steps may include:

Regular Eye Checkup: Regular eye checkups help in the early detection of changes in intraocular pressure and optic nerve health. These checkups should be done at least every year or more frequently, as advised by your eye specialist for glaucoma treatment. 
Proper Use of Medications: For some patients, especially those with mild glaucoma, prescription eye drops are a primary mode of treatment to reduce intraocular pressure. You should use the medications as directed by your eye doctor, even if you are not experiencing noticeable symptoms.Make sure you never miss your glaucoma medication.

Precise Checkup and Testing with Field and OCT: In some cases, advanced diagnostic tools, such as visual field testing and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), are used to get detailed insights into the extent of glaucoma-related damage.

Lifestyle Modifications: Along with regular eye checkups and medication, lifestyle modification is also required. It may include a balanced diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption and managing stress. These factors will not only improve your overall eye health but also help you reduce glaucoma treatment costs.

Avoid fluid overload:  Avoid drinking too much fluid, even water, in a short span of time. This can cause a sudden spike in intraocular pressure.

Protect Your Eyes: Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays with sunglasses equipped with 100% UV protection when going outdoors. Prolonged UV exposure has the potential to contribute to the advancement of glaucoma. When participating in activities with an elevated risk of eye injury, such as sports or do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, prioritise using protective eyewear to reduce the risk of harm. Keep in mind that even a minor eye injury can have serious implications for individuals managing glaucoma.

Attend Regular Appointments: Attend regular appointments with the best eye specialist in Delhi. Discuss any changes in your vision, medication side effects, or concerns during your visits. This collaborative approach ensures that adjustments to your treatment plan can be made promptly.

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition. Consistency in routine eye care, including regular eye checkups and monitoring, is crucial to manage and prevent glaucoma progression successfully.
If you are dealing with glaucoma and looking for an effective glaucoma treatment, book your consultation with Dr Anisha Gupta before it steals your vision.