July 7, 2017 - Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve which results in peripheral vision loss and potential blindness. The condition is caused by increased pressure in the eye due to fluid build-up between the cornea and the lens of the eye. Daily life can be seriously affected by glaucoma. The loss of peripheral vision will affect your balance, depth perception and night vision. Other negative effects of glaucoma include poor contrast, glare and light sensitivity which can make driving, especially at night, difficult. If left untreated, permanent blindness can occur within a few years.
Almost 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half those are aware that they have the condition. Many people with glaucoma have no early signs or symptoms, so it’s important to know what to look for.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Sudden loss of peripheral vision
- Hazy or blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- The appearance of rainbows around bright lights
- Eye or head pain
Studies have shown that glaucoma is more likely to develop in those with a family history. While some causes of glaucoma are uncontrollable, many can be prevented by having a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Causes of Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Physical trauma to the eye
- Thyroid imbalances
- Heavy metal toxicities
- Estrogen Deficiency
- Lifting heavy weights
- Yoga poses where your heart is over your head
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Foods that increase free radical damage
Some common drugs that increase the risk of Glaucoma are Antihistamines, Steroids, Amphetamines, and Sulfa containing medications.Antihistamines can cause the pupil to become enlarged which increases your risk of Glaucoma because the drainage system becomes more narrow due to the abnormal pupil size. Steroids can reduce the fluid outflow in the eye which causes the pressure to build in the eye. Amphetamines can cause the muscle which allows the eye to focus to become paralyzed and this muscle is near the meshwork where fluid flows to the eye. Sulfa-containing medications may cause Glaucoma by interfering with the connection between the Iris and the Choroid which lowers fluid circulation in the eye. If you are using regularly or have used any of these drugs, it is particularly important to be tested for glaucoma regularly.
There are many different types of Glaucoma, all of which can be diagnosed through four tests. The first test measures the eye pressure, the second test examines the eye’s drainage system, the third evaluates the optic nerve for damage and the fourth measures the visual field.
Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common type which happens when the meshwork which acts as a filter for the fluid in the eye gets clogged.
Angle Closure Glaucoma: which is when the space between the cornea and iris is too narrow and the fluid has difficulty draining causing the pressure in the eye to rise quickly. This is pretty rare but considered an emergency situation.
Low Tension Glaucoma: causes vision loss and optic nerve damage even though eye pressure is normal. This type is a sign of a general circulation problem in the eye despite normal eye pressure.
Secondary Glaucoma: occurs from other health conditions such as inflammation, injury, advanced cataracts or drug side effects.
Congenital Glaucoma begins within the first months after birth and is the result of the incomplete prenatal development of the eye’s drainage system.
How to Treat Glaucoma
There are two common ways to treat Glaucoma. The first is through daily eye drop use, which masks the symptoms but does not treat the cause. Surgery is the second option and uses an intensely hot and focused beam of light to remove tissue and control bleeding. The surgery may help improve fluid drainage and reduce pressure in the eye.
Lifestyle adaptations are a wonderful way to assist in reducing glaucoma. I recommend at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 times a week. Exercise enhances eye fluid circulation and reduces oxidative stress. Including leafy green vegetables in your daily diet and for effective preventative measures using supplements.
