Glaucoma Prevention and Awareness for Seniors
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating with prevention tips! Caring for our eyes is a vital aspect of maintaining positive health, especially as we age. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, 3 million Americans currently have a glaucoma diagnosis.
A picture of an elderly woman applying eyedrops for glaucoma prevention
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve which is categorized into two types:
- angle-closure glaucoma
- primary open-angle glaucoma
The Glaucoma Research Foundation refers to the disease as the “thief of sight” because it can cause permanent vision loss while showing zero symptoms, positioning itself as the top cause of blindness [1]. It can be detected early on with regular eye exams and intraocular pressure testing.
3 Tips for Glaucoma Prevention
1. Regularly Schedule Eye Exams
Glaucoma screening is critical to ensure early detection. Treatment is more effective when caught early. Glaucoma medications, like eye drops, help lower pressure in the eye and prevent further optic nerve damage. Make sure to go for eye exams every year and inform your doctor about any changes in vision or symptoms you may have noticed. [2]
2. Stay Hydrated
Keeping hydrated is essential to promoting healthy eye function. Water aids in detoxifying the body and flushing out any toxins, which is why it’s beneficial for glaucoma patients to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. [3]
3. Seek Caregiver Assistance
Whether it’s a loved one or a professional caregiver aide, remember to seek assistance whenever you may need it. These aides can help with transportation to medical appointments, the use of medication like eye drops, understanding treatment plans, and more. Additionally, if a diagnosis of glaucoma occurs and leads to vision loss, having an aide help you adjust and prepare your home for safety is crucial. [4]
Glaucoma Prevention: The Bottom Line
Because of glaucoma’s sneaky nature, it is essential to keep up with appointments whether you experience eye changes or not. If you do receive a diagnosis, follow your treatment plan, utilize prescribed medications like eye drops, and ask a caregiving aide for help when needed.
Here’s to long-lasting, healthy vision and a happy new year!
