Glaucoma

Description

Lifestyle Changes

Studies indicate that glaucoma patients who exercise regularly (at least three times a week) can reduce their intraocular pressure by an average of 20%. If they stop exercising for more than two weeks, pressure increases again. In one study, those who walked briskly four times a week for 40 minutes were able to go off their medications. (Although not confirmed by any evidence, yoga or other exercises that involve head-down or inverted positions may be harmful for glaucoma patients and should be discussed with the physician.)

Exercise has no effect on closed angle glaucoma.

It may, in fact, increase eye pressure in patients with pigmentary glaucoma. Vigorous high-impact exercise in fact may cause more pigment to be released from the iris in these patients. Patients should talk to their doctor about an appropriate exercise program.

Diet

Antioxidants in Foods and Supplements. Diet most likely plays very little role in glaucoma. For example, a 2003 study found no association between important nutrients associated with protection against other eye disorders, including vitamins C, E, A, and carotenoids.

Caffeine. Some studies have shown that large amounts of caffeine drunk in a short period of time can elevate eye pressure for up to three hours. A 2002 study suggested that such changes in eye pressure could be significant in glaucoma patients with both normal eye pressure and high IOP.

Fluids. Drinking large amounts (a quart or more) of any liquid within a short time, about half an hour, appears to increase pressure. Patients with glaucoma should have plenty of fluids, but they should drink them in small amounts over the course of a day.

Sunglasses

Glaucoma can cause the eyes to be very sensitive to light and glare. Medications can worsen this problem. Sunglasses solve this problem and are important for prevention of cataracts. Protective sunglasses do not have to be expensive. Sunglasses are classified into three categories based on protection against ultraviolet radiation (UV) A or B:

• Cosmetic-purpose sunglasses block at least 70% UVB and up to 60% UVA. People should avoid these glasses if they have any risk for cataracts or eye problems.
• General-purpose sunglasses block at least 95% UVB and a minimum of 60% UVA. At the very least, people should purchase general purpose sunglasses and they should be labeled "Meets ANSI Z80.3 General Purpose UV Requirements. Labels should indicate that sunglasses block UV radiation up to 400 nm.
• Special-purpose sunglasses block at least 99% UVB and a minimum of 60% UVA rays. These are the optimal sunglasses for people at risk for eye disease. Special purpose glasses should wrap around the head and block light coming from above, below, and both sides of the glasses. They should also fit snugly on the nose.
• Lenses that are simply dark but not coated with UV-absorbing material may increase the risk of cataracts because the pupil widens to compensate for the shaded glass. This may allow more harmful ultraviolet waves to enter the Polarized glasses cut glare but have no effect on UV radiation. Mirror finishes without additional processing for UV blockage also are not fully protective. There is some controversy over whether blue light is harmful to the eyes. Some people, then, prefer amber lenses, which block out the blue spectrum.

Nontraditional Treatments

Meditation, biofeedback, and relaxation methods can help counteract stress, and there are some reports that they may help some people with open-angle glaucoma. A number of herbal and nontraditional remedies have been advertised as glaucoma remedies. Studies report that the herbal remedy ginkgo biloba may have properties that offer benefits to glaucoma patients, including increasing blood flow in the eye without altering overall blood pressure, heart rate, or intraocular pressure. Research is warranted, particularly since this agent is now available in reputable brands. People should be very cautious about any herbal treatments, however, and discuss them with their physician.