Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. It is caused by a buildup of pressure inside the eye, which damages the optic nerve over time. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss.

However, early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision. Here are some steps you can take to protect your eyes from glaucoma:.

Know Your Risk Factors

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk. These include:.

Age: Glaucoma is more common in people over 60.
Race: African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are at higher risk for some forms of glaucoma.
Family history: If you have a family member with glaucoma, you may be more likely to develop it.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase your risk.

If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your eye doctor about how often you should have a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progression of glaucoma.

Get Regular Eye Exams

The best way to detect glaucoma early is by getting regular comprehensive eye exams. During this exam, your eye doctor will:.

Check your intraocular pressure (IOP)
Examine the optic nerve
Test your visual field

If your eye doctor suspects you may have glaucoma, they may perform additional tests, such as:.

Gonioscopy: This test measures the angle between the iris and the cornea to see if it is open or closed.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This test uses light waves to create a 3D image of the retina and optic nerve.

Your eye doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan if glaucoma is detected.

Monitor Your Eye Health

In addition to regular eye exams, there are other steps you can take to monitor your eye health:.

Pay attention to changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing in low light.
Report any changes in your vision to your eye doctor.
Take your medications as prescribed.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s important to follow your treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments with your eye doctor.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle can help protect your eyes from glaucoma and other eye conditions:.

Eat a healthy diet: Foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help protect your eyes from damage.
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help improve circulation and reduce intraocular pressure.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing a number of eye conditions, including glaucoma.
Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and a hat when you’re outside.

Taking care of your overall health can also help protect your eyes. Be sure to get enough sleep, manage stress, and maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness, but early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision.

By knowing your risk factors, getting regular eye exams, monitoring your eye health, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can help protect your eyes from glaucoma.