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Five Important Facts about Glaucoma and Protecting Vision

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Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, but you can take steps to preserve your eyesight by scheduling annual eye exams.

Glaucoma Is Caused by Increased Eye Pressure or Sensitivity to Pressure

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eyes to the brain.

Your eye needs a steady circulation of fluid to keep it clean and lubricated. In a healthy eye, fluid can exit the eye through the drainage angle.

When the eye’s drainage system becomes blocked, it may raise the pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Elevated eye pressure or sensitivity to pressure can damage the fibers in the optic nerve and cause you to develop blind spots in your vision.

Glaucoma Can Develop with or without Symptoms

Did you know it is possible to have a degenerative eye condition without knowing it? Glaucoma is nicknamed the “sneak thief of sight” because it can cause irreversible eye damage without warning signs. Three million people have glaucoma, but half are unaware they have the disease.

Primary open-angle glaucoma, or POAG, is the most common type. It tends to develop gradually as pressure begins to build inside the eye. Usually, POAG is painless and does not cause noticeable changes in your vision during the early stages. Therefore, many people with POAG don’t know they have glaucoma.

Angle-closure glaucoma can develop when the iris is close to the area where the eye drains. This type can develop slowly or quickly, but eye pressure rises rapidly when a complete blockage occurs. During an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack, people may develop sudden symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, intense eye pain and headaches.

Sometimes people can have eye pressure that is within the normal range, but they still experience blind spots in their visual field and vision loss. This is called normal-tension glaucoma.

Some People Have a Higher Risk of Developing Glaucoma

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some people are more at risk. Some glaucoma risk factors include the following:

  • Having a family history of glaucoma
  • Being of Asian, Hispanic or African heritage
  • Being older than 40
  • Being nearsighted or farsighted
  • Having a previous eye injury
  • Having health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, poor circulation or migraine headaches
  • Having corneas that are thin in the middle
  • Having a thin optic nerve
  • Using steroid medications for an extended period

Daily Choices Affect Your Glaucoma Risk

You can make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. Creating healthy habits can lower your risk for eye disease as well as many other chronic health conditions.

Getting regular exercise and eating a nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats is a great place to start. Controlling your weight and blood pressure will help your heart and circulation and lower your risk of diabetes.

Smoking can increase your risk of eye diseases as well, so quit smoking if you’re a smoker. If you’ve never smoked, make a commitment to not smoke or use tobacco products.

Early Detection Can Prevent Irreversible Vision Loss

There is no cure for glaucoma, but diagnosing it early can help you maintain your eyesight and prevent further vision loss.

Some people report weaker or dimmed vision due to glaucoma, but people usually don’t experience symptoms. Therefore, you cannot rely on warning signs.

A comprehensive eye exam with dilation can detect glaucoma early when it is easy to treat. Eye exams that only screen for elevated eye pressure are insufficient to accurately diagnose glaucoma.

A comprehensive eye exam will include a complete screening for glaucoma, which includes …

  • examining, measuring and taking an image of your optic nerve,
  • measuring intraocular pressure,
  • looking at the drainage angle of your eyes,
  • testing your peripheral vision and
  • measuring the thickness of your corneas.

If your ophthalmologist detects glaucoma, you have many treatment options available. Eyedrops can help reduce the amount of fluid your eye makes, or increase the flow of fluid in the eye.

There are also some surgical procedures called trabeculoplasty and iridotomy that can relieve pressure and increase fluid flow to the drainage angle.

Call Today to Make an Appointment with an Ophthalmologist

Yearly eye exams are an important part of preventive health care. Beginning at age 40, you should begin glaucoma screening and repeat the screening every two to four years, depending on your eye doctor’s recommendations.

Medicare will pay for one glaucoma exam per year for people who are at higher risk for the disease. However, everyone needs to take proper precautions and schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Our eye care centers have board-certified ophthalmologists who are accepting new patients and look forward to providing you with exceptional vision care. Celebrate Glaucoma Awareness Month and start your year off by prioritizing your eye health. Call today to make eye appointments for your family.

Shop for Safe Toys to Brighten Your Child’s Holiday

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Holiday toys can bring laughter and cheer, but unsafe toys can cause vision loss, retinal damage or even blindness in children.

December Is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month

This is the most wonderful time of the year for so many reasons. Holiday family gatherings often include festive meals and gift exchanges. Have you begun to peruse the Amazon catalogs or online sales for the hottest seasonal items?

During the season of joy and giving, toy safety is the top priority. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. It is an initiative to encourage people to assess whether a toy or gift is age-appropriate for the child receiving the present.

Every holiday, thousands of children require emergency treatment because they sustained an eye injury from an unsafe toy.

Follow These Safety Tips When Purchasing Gifts

Before buying holiday gifts for children, consider whether the kids have any allergies or sensory issues that might rule out certain toys. If you are purchasing outdoor equipment, make sure children have the space to enjoy it (NPHIC).

Keep these tips in mind when you are shopping for eye-safe toys:

  1. Avoid buying toys for young children that are sharp or that shoot.
  2. Purchase toys that suit your child’s ability and skills.
  3. Seek out a tag indicating that the toy has undergone a safety evaluation and received approval from the American Society for Testing and Materials.
  4. Purchase protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses to accompany any sporting equipment.
  5. Don’t buy laser pointers for kids. High-powered laser pointers between 1,500 and 6,000 milliwatts can cause severe retinal damage.
  6. Avoid toys that include heating elements, cords or ropes.
  7. Ensure all paints, crayons, markers and art materials are marked as “non-toxic.”

Consider Purchasing Screen-Free Gifts

Too much screen time can cause eye strain for everyone, especially children. If you are buying electronics as a gift, talk to your children about taking frequent breaks and using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.

Non-screen activities like books, easels, art supplies and sewing kits can inspire creativity and learning. Board games can teach skills like telling time, counting and memory recall. You can even buy games in other languages to help older kids learn to speak another language.

Studies show that playing outside can help prevent nearsightedness in children. Outdoor gifts like a bicycle, skateboard, camping equipment or a hammock will take outdoor fun to a new level (AAO).

Take Action If an Eye Injury Occurs

Even when using proper caution, accidents can happen. If your child sustains an injury from a toy, contact an eye specialist immediately. Instruct your child to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the eye. If there is a foreign object in the eye, do not try to remove it, as you may make the situation worse.

Eye Exams Keep Vision Clear and Healthy

Is your child receiving regular vision screenings at school or at your local pediatrician’s office? Children’s eyes can change dramatically as they grow, and ophthalmologists can diagnose conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (misaligned eyes) and myopia (nearsightedness) when your child is young. Early treatment will protect your child’s vision for years to come.

If your child fails a vision screening, he or she may need a comprehensive eye exam. A visual acuity test will detect refractive errors, and dilation of the pupil can allow an ophthalmologist to detect abnormalities in the back of the eye.

A family background of medical issues or specific health conditions may raise the likelihood of developing eye disorders such as retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts or glaucoma. Consult your eye specialist regarding the frequency of preventative vision check-ups.

Although age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, anyone can develop chronic eye problems. People with diabetes are more susceptible to eye diseases, including cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, it is imperative to manage diabetes with the help of your general practitioner. Detecting eye disease in the initial stages can protect you from long-term eye damage.

You should never wait for eye pain before calling an eye care professional. Eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration can develop without warning signs while permanently reducing the field of vision.

Commit to Eye Health by Finding an Ophthalmologist

Are you seeking an eye doctor in your area? Our board-certified ophthalmologists are dedicated to protecting and restoring vision. Call today to make eye appointments for your whole family.

Clear vision is a precious gift, so care for your eyes this season. Your days will be merry and bright!

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam during Glaucoma Awareness Month

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Aging eyes are at increased risk for developing vision problems. More than three million Americans suffer from glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, yet only half are conscious of their condition.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to educate ourselves about this progressive eye disease. Yearly comprehensive eye exams are essential for diagnosing glaucoma early and preventing vision loss.

How Does Glaucoma Affect My Vision?

Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases characterized by elevated levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated eye pressure can damage the optic nerve, which sends visual signals to the brain.

Glaucoma is frequently referred to as “the sneak thief of sight” due to its ability to progress unnoticed or without ocular discomfort. At first, the disease affects the peripheral vision, but most people do not notice the narrowing of their visual field. Unfortunately, vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, and there is no cure.

“Some people say they don’t need glasses, so they don’t need to see an eye doctor,” said Tara O’Rourke, OD, a Pennsylvania optometrist. “It’s important for everyone to have yearly eye exams to monitor the health of the eye, especially for patients over the age of 50” (Medical Xpress).

Glaucoma Treatments Can Prevent Further Vision Loss

While it is not possible to recover vision loss caused by glaucoma, there are various treatments available to reduce IOP to safer levels to slow the progression of the disease. These treatments may include eye drops, which can decrease fluid production in the eye or increase fluid outflow. Other options include oral medication, laser therapy and surgical procedures.

Benefits of Exercise

Regular exercise provides many health benefits, and research shows exercising like walking or jogging three times per week can lower IOP. Consistent exercise is best to get optimal results. Yoga is an excellent fitness activity, but it is best to avoid inverted positions, which can increase eye pressure.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain people have risk factors that make them more likely to develop the disease. You have a higher chance of getting the disease if you …

  • Are older than 60.
  • Have relatives with glaucoma.
  • Are of Hispanic, African or Asian descent. Glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
  • Have high eye pressure.
  • Are very nearsighted or farsighted.
  • Have had an eye injury.
  • Have a thin cornea.
  • Take steroid medications.

Will My Ophthalmologist Test Me for Glaucoma?

Your eye doctor can test you for glaucoma at your next comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will give you a visual acuity test and evaluate you for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions. A regular eye exam is painless and simple, and most exams take less than one hour.

Find an Ophthalmologist in Your Area

Make good eye care a priority and have your eyes examined. Regular visits to your eye doctor can help preserve your vision for years to come. Celebrate Glaucoma Awareness Month by calling to make an appointment. If you are not under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist, we can help you find a physician in your area.

Diabetes Meds May Protect Against Glaucoma, Study Shows

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Scientists are researching new ways to prevent and treat glaucoma, a family of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.

Positive results in a recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology link a popular class of diabetes medications with glaucoma prevention.

The medications, called GLP-1R agonists (Trulicity and Rybelsus), may also protect against glaucoma in diabetic patients, according to the study.

The results were found by researchers in the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, according to a Medical XPress article. The study findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may decrease a diabetic patient’s risk of developing glaucoma by half.

Diabetes and Glaucoma

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, including 12 million seniors. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma.

In the study, researchers looked at retrospective data of 1,961 diabetic patients who were new users of this class of drugs and matched them to 4,371 unexposed control subjects, according to a Medical Xpress article. After 150 days on average, 10 patients in the medicated group were newly diagnosed with glaucoma (0.5 percent) compared to 58 patients (1.3 percent) in the control group.

A Penn Medicine study from 2020 supports the findings, which found that GLP-1R agonists reduced neuroinflammation and prevented retinal ganglion cell death in mice.

“It was very encouraging to see that a popular diabetes medication could significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma, and our study suggests that these medications warrant further study in this patient population,” said Qi N. Cui, MD, Ph.D., with Brian VanderBeek, MD, MPH, both assistant professors of Ophthalmology at Penn.

Notably, this class of drugs also has shown similarly protective effects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases in animal models. Currently, clinical trials are underway to test the medications against neurodegenerative diseases, conditions in which cells of the human brain and spinal cord are lost.

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma affects 3 million Americans and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.

In addition to diabetes, risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Age 45 or older
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • History of injury to the eye
  • African American
  • History of steroid use, either in the eye (drops) or systemically (orally or injected)
  • Nearsighted (myopic)
  • Farsighted (hyperopic)
  • History of elevated intraocular pressure

Visit an Ophthalmologist

There is no cure for glaucoma. Early detection is of primary importance because there are usually no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred.

You should schedule a comprehensive eye exam and let your ophthalmologist know if you are at risk for glaucoma. Your doctor will perform several tests to diagnose glaucoma.

Doctors are continually working to discover new treatments for glaucoma. The objective of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and slow down the effects of glaucoma. It is important to have regular checkups and take prescribed medication as directed.

Do you need an eye doctor who is also a glaucoma specialist? Use our Find a Physician locator tool.

Could Vitamin B3Treat Glaucoma?

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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness and affects 80 million people around the globe. Currently, the only available glaucoma treatments are eye drops, oral medication or surgery. There is no cure for the disease, and glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases characterized by optic nerve stress, often associated with elevated eye pressure. No one knows what causes optic nerve degeneration, and glaucoma can be a tricky disease to diagnose. It usually does not cause pain or other symptoms. An eye doctor’s goal in treating glaucoma is to detect the disease early and treat it promptly to prevent permanent eye damage.

Emerging Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma researchers continually seek new treatments that will prevent the death of retinal cells and regenerate diseased fibers in the optic nerve. They have found that a molecule called NAD declines in the retina as people age, and this puts retinal cells at risk for degeneration.

Studies have shown nicotinamide, a water-soluble form of vitamin B-3, prevented NAD depletion and reduced the risk of glaucoma in animals. Nicotinamide is found in foods like poultry, fish, eggs and cereal grains.

A study in Sweden is exploring a potential neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and St. Erik Eye Hospital are testing nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, on animal and cell models for glaucoma.

Should I Supplement With B3?

If you have glaucoma, you may think you should begin taking vitamin B3. However, you should not start any new supplements or vitamins without talking to your provider.

If you have questions about new glaucoma treatments or natural treatments, call to make an appointment with your eye doctor. All medications can have side effects and can interact with other drugs.

Find an Ophthalmologist Near You

Are you under the care of a board-certified ophthalmologist? You deserve the best vision care possible. A comprehensive eye exam is an essential part of preventive care and can detect many common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Here is a list of qualified professionals near you. Call to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam today.

Blindness and Vision Loss Rates May Double in 30 Years

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Blindness and vision impairment affects an estimated 338 million people worldwide. According to a new pre-print study accepted by The Lancet, the number may reach 900 million people by the year 2050.

Vision loss is a global problem. According to recent research led by Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University:

  • 8 million people have a mild vision impairment
  • 1 million people have a major vision impairment
  • 3 million people are blind

Bourne said although blindness among people age 50 and older has reduced by almost 30 percent in the past 30 years, the number of people who are blind has increased by 50 percent because of population growth.

“It is encouraging that age-adjusted prevalence of blindness has reduced over the past three decades, yet due to population growth, progress is not keeping pace with needs,” said Bourne. “We face enormous challenges in avoiding vision impairment as the global population grows and ages” (Medical Xpress).

What Causes Vision Impairment?

Three common causes of vision impairment are cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people older than 55. In the U.S., cataracts affect about 20.5 million people. Cataract-related vision loss can be reversed through cataract surgery, an incredibly safe and simple procedure.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and is caused by optic nerve damage. Vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible, so it is imperative to have routine glaucoma screenings. Even though there is no cure for glaucoma, there are many effective therapies and treatments.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects about five percent of Americans 65 years of age or older. AMD affects central vision, which is necessary for activities like reading and driving. Early detection of AMD is crucial to slowing vision loss. There are two types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. There is no cure for dry AMD but vitamin supplements can slow the progression. There are several therapies for wet AMD, and again, these don’t cure the disease but they can slow AMD’s progression.

Find a Local Ophthalmologist

The best way to preserve your vision and prevent vision impairment is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams for the entire family. Eye exams offer more than just an evaluation of your vision. They offer a window into your overall health.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists are accepting new patients and are dedicated to your eye health. At a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist will make sure your prescription is current and screen you for degenerative eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

If you are not under the care of a board-certified physician, you can access a list of doctors in your area and find an ophthalmologist near you.

New Study Finds Link Between Glaucoma and Depression

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A recent study in Mexico discovered glaucoma patients have a tenfold greater risk of developing depression than the general population.

Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of vision loss and a leading cause of blindness. It can be a psychological and financial burden and cause significant stress. According to a study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, glaucoma severity directly impacts depression incidence and severity, as well as patient compliance.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by optic nerve stress caused by spikes in inner eye pressure. More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. Often, glaucoma does not cause any noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs.

Depressed Glaucoma Patients Are Less Compliant

The study examined 111 patients with glaucoma, and about half of the patients were depressed. The researchers found a direct relationship between the worse eye’s glaucoma severity and the severity of depression. Patients who were depressed were 38 times more likely to not adhere to their treatment plan than patients who were not depressed.

Researchers suspect patients with the most severe glaucoma may fall into a dangerous pattern. The associated depression with severe glaucoma may cause these patients to resist taking medication and attending eye doctor appointments, thereby exacerbating glaucoma and depression.

The authors of the paper wrote, “Patients with a decreased visual field become physically impaired due to the chronicity of their disease such as when they perform certain daily activities such as driving. The possibility of becoming blind generates anxiety and social withdrawal and the elevated cost associated with medical and surgical treatment adds to their stress” (Journal of Glaucoma).

The study suggests patients with glaucoma should create a team of specialists, including an ophthalmologist, glaucoma specialist, psychiatrist and psychologist to produce the best outcome.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Anyone can develop glaucoma, and it is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat. Are you familiar with the risk factors of glaucoma? You may be at increased risk for glaucoma if you:

  • Are 60 or older
  • Are diabetic
  • Are severely nearsighted
  • Have a family member who has glaucoma

Call Your Ophthalmologist

An annual comprehensive eye exam includes a glaucoma screening. During your exam, your ophthalmologist can perform a test to evaluate your inner eye pressure and let you know if you are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Optic nerve damage is permanent, so there is no cure for glaucoma. Therefore, it is imperative to detect glaucoma early. Early detection allows for immediate intervention to stop the progression of glaucoma. There are many treatments available to manage the condition such as:

  • Laser treatments
  • Medication
  • Traditional surgery
  • MIGS-minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

A board-certified eye doctor can help carefully manage your glaucoma so you can maintain your active lifestyle.

New Study Says Ocular Hypertension Can Prevent Glaucoma

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Elevated inner eye pressure can cause glaucoma and vision loss, but not in all patients, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a general term for a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. In this type, the channels that drain the eye’s fluid become gradually obstructed, causing the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) to rise.

In angle-closure glaucoma, fluid builds up suddenly and causes dangerous pressure spikes.

Open-angle glaucoma has few symptoms, so it is essential to detect glaucoma in the early stages to prevent irreversible eye damage. Once symptoms are present, vision loss has already occurred.

Ocular Hypertension

In most patients with glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure would prove to be quite dangerous. However, according to a new study from LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence and the University of Copenhagen, a subset of glaucoma patients does not have this same sensitivity: those with ocular hypertension.

Why do patients with ocular hypertension not have the optic nerve damage that is glaucoma? After all, ocular hypertension is when intraocular pressure is higher than what is in the “normal” range.

The study found patients with ocular hypertension possess “increased antioxidant capacity and higher levels of anti-inflammatory, omega-3 derived chemical messengers involved in sustaining cell function in their plasma compared to patients with normal-tension glaucoma and age-matched controls.”

Having an increased amount of omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers seems to lower oxidative stress in the eye and prevent the optic nerve’s deterioration.

This new research could provide exciting new therapies for glaucoma patients: “The study opens avenues of therapeutic exploration highlighting the significance of the omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers’ antioxidant capacity as a potential diagnostic biomarker and as a novel treatment to prevent glaucomatous neurodegeneration,” notes Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, Boyd Professor, Ernest C. and Ivette C. Villere Chair of Retinal Degeneration, and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical Xpress).

Facts about Glaucoma

This study’s results are exciting, but the fact remains that glaucoma is a complex disease that can affect anyone. Here are some essential facts about glaucoma:

  1. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world.
  2. Glaucoma affects more than three million Americans, but over half are unaware they have the disease.
  3. African Americans are 15 times more likely than Caucasians to have glaucoma-related vision loss.
  4. Risk factors for glaucoma include being over age 60, having diabetes, having a family member with glaucoma and being severely nearsighted.

Call Your Ophthalmologist

You can protect your vision by making annual appointments for a comprehensive eye exam. During your exam, your eye doctor can test your inner eye pressure and tell you whether you have ocular hypertension or are at risk for glaucoma.

Early glaucoma detection can help preserve your eyesight so you can maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Call an ophthalmologist today to schedule your annual eye exam.

Natural Glaucoma Treatment Like Vitamin B3 May Improve Vision

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New research suggests vitamin B3 could protect optic nerve damage that associated with glaucoma and blindness.

Glaucoma is a family of diseases characterized by elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision damage. There is no cure for glaucoma, so an ophthalmologist’s goal is to detect glaucoma early and treat it with eye drops or surgery to reduce inner eye pressure.

Professor Jonathan Crowston and Dr. Flora Hui of the Center for Eye Research Australia conducted a recent study on patients with glaucoma. The researchers gave glaucoma patients high doses of vitamin B3 every day for 12 weeks, in addition to the patients’ daily medication to lower eye pressure. At the conclusion of the study, patients showed significant improvement in their vision.

“For the first time, we have shown that daily high doses of vitamin B3 can lead to early and significant improvements in patients who are also receiving traditional treatments to lower eye pressure,” Dr. Hui said. “As a safe therapy that is well tolerated by patients, vitamin B3 has potential as a clinical supplement to support patients who are receiving glaucoma treatment” (Medical Express).

Dr. Hui is optimistic that vitamin B3 can protect nerve cells from damage and help repair cells that have already begun to deteriorate. She likens taking daily vitamin B3 to adding oil to a car engine to help it run smoothly. The next step, she explained, is to conduct a larger trial to evaluate whether patients can continue to improve and slow the progression of glaucoma over time.

Should I Start Taking Vitamin B3?

You may wonder, “Should I begin taking daily vitamin B3 to protect my vision?” Before you begin any new medication, even a supplement, call your eye doctor. Your doctor can discuss natural glaucoma treatments that you can take in addition to your daily medication. Remember that all medicines can have side effects and can interact with other drugs. Always ask your doctor before beginning any new supplement or medicine.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Even if you think your eyes are healthy, you could still be at risk for glaucoma. More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. Because glaucoma rarely shows symptoms in the early stages, it is a difficult disease to diagnose. Most people do not notice any pain with elevated eye pressure. One of the first noticeable symptoms of glaucoma is peripheral vision loss, but most people do not realize it until they have lost a significant amount of vision (Glaucoma Research Foundation).

How to Prevent Glaucoma

There is no way to prevent glaucoma, but you can protect your vision by scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams include a pressure test using a method called tonometry. If your pressure is high and your doctor diagnoses you with glaucoma, you can begin your treatment immediately.

Be proactive in preventive care by scheduling an annual comprehensive eye exam. If you are not under the supervision of a licensed eye care professional, you can find an eye doctor in your area and schedule an appointment today.

Low Carbohydrate Diet May Lower Your Glaucoma Risk

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A new study finds a diet rich in protein and healthy fats and low in carbohydrates could reduce the risk for glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness.

Glaucoma is associated with abnormally high eye pressure due to a reduced ability of the eye to regulate fluid drainage. Poor eye fluid drainage causes elevated pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time. This is known as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of glaucoma in the United States.

According to the research from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing proteins and plant-based fats can lower the risk of POAG with early central vision loss by 20 percent.

Plant-Based Diet Helps Prevent POAG

The researchers analyzed data from more than 185,000 participants of three cohort studies from 1976 to 2017. The researchers surmised that substituting protein and fat for carbohydrates would help maintain optic nerve function.

The participants answered health-related questions and completed food frequency questionnaires every two to four years. The team looked for patterns in carbohydrate intake across plant-based and animal-based fats and proteins, as well as other sources.

Plant-based sources gave more favorable results in preventing POAG than animal-based sources for a low-carbohydrate diet.

Diet Cannot Reverse Glaucoma

Dr. Louis R. Pasquale, co-corresponding author and deputy chair for ophthalmology research for the Mount Sinai Health System, said, “It’s important to note that a low-carbohydrate diet won’t stop glaucoma progression if you already have it, but it may be a means to preventing glaucoma in high-risk groups. If more patients in these high-risk categories, including those with a family history of glaucoma, adhered to this diet, there might be fewer cases of vision loss.”

Dr. Pasquale asserts a low carbohydrate diet is therapeutic for many other conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. However, more research is necessary, as this was the first study looking at how diet relates to POAG development, and it was an observational study and not a clinical trial.

What is Your Glaucoma Risk?

Did you know certain individuals are at increased risk for glaucoma? Here are some of the risk factors for glaucoma:

  • Family history of glaucoma
  • 45 years of age or older
  • African American
  • History of elevated inner eye pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Nearsighted
  • Farsighted
  • History of steroid use

More than three million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware they have the disease. Glaucoma, aptly nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight,” often does not have symptoms in the early stages, so it is important to get an early diagnosis before permanent eye damage occurs.

Make an Appointment for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

There is no cure for glaucoma, but your eye doctor can detect glaucoma early if you stay current with your annual comprehensive eye exams. An eye exam is more than just an evaluation of your vision. It offers a window into your overall health. Call an ophthalmologist today to schedule your annual eye exam.