5 Lifestyle Tips to Support Eye Health if You’re at Risk of Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that transmit sensory data to the brain. Most of these diseases are characterized by a buildup of pressure within the eye. 

Understanding your risk is crucial so you can embrace healthy habits that reduce your chances of developing glaucoma. At Wicker Park Eye Center in Chicago, Illinois, we strive to provide information and support to help you take control of your eye health. 

Risk factors for glaucoma

Several things can increase your glaucoma risk. There’s a known genetic link to glaucoma, so if you have a family history of the disease, your risk level is higher than average. 

Having elevated intraocular pressure is also known to increase glaucoma risk, as are medical conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Your risk rises as you age, and Hispanic, African American, and Asian people are at higher risk than Caucasians. 

How to reduce your risk of glaucoma

Some risk factors you can’t control, such as your age, race, or genetic predispositions, but some you can control to reduce your risk of glaucoma and other eye health problems. 

Here are five steps you can take, starting today. 

Improve your nutrition

You hear it all the time, but it bears repeating: What you eat directly impacts your health, including your eye health. One of the most effective ways to support healthy vision is to center your diet on fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. 

It isn’t easy to overhaul your diet, so focus on small changes over time. Try new, healthy recipes or replace unhealthy snacks with fruits or nuts. Small changes can add up. 

Get and stay active

We get it. Life can get busy, and it’s hard to add exercise to your to-do list. However, being more active is a great way to avoid eye problems like glaucoma. 

Some people find it helpful to use a fitness tracker and increase their daily step counts. Others find new hobbies that get them outdoors and moving. Work with a trainer, try some at-home exercise videos, or add an after-dinner walk to your daily routine. 

Protect against eye injuries

Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. While you can’t prevent all types of eye trauma, you can protect your eyes from known harm. If you work in a setting where eye injuries are common, wear the proper protective gear on the job.

Safety glasses can protect your eyes if you enjoy hobbies that threaten your eye health, such as woodworking. If you enjoy sports or fitness pursuits that could lead to eye injuries, such as playing tennis, consider wearing protective gear. 

Avoid overexposure to sunlight

Too much time in the sun can damage your eyes and potentially lead to glaucoma. If your work or hobbies keep you in the sun for long stretches, invest in a good pair of sunglasses large enough to offer solid protection from the sun. 

Be sure to have a backup pair of sunglasses, and choose comfortable styles. Sunglasses that you won’t wear because they pinch or slip do nothing to reduce your risk of glaucoma. 

Come in for annual eye exams

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of vision loss is by scheduling routine annual eye exams. We have technology that can detect changes in your eyes at the earliest possible stage, when interventions can reduce the risk of vision loss. 

To schedule your eye exam, contact Wicker Park Eye Center by phone or online today.