Maintaining healthy vision is essential for quality of life, yet many eye conditions can develop gradually and go unnoticed until more serious changes occur. Recognizing glaucoma symptoms early is key to protecting long-term eye health and preventing further complications. As awareness grows, more people are looking for ways to support their vision through proactive care, including nutrition and lifestyle choices. In this article, we'll explore what to watch for and how to support your eye health naturally. 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in North America. It is characterized by a rise in the pressure inside the eyeball. The pressure causes compression of the optic nerve, and permanent vision changes result. If it happens acutely, there are usually severe symptoms. These symptoms include blurred vision with coloured halos, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, throbbing in one eye, redness in one eye and light sensitivity.

What Triggers An Attack?

Attacks can be triggered by stress or dilation of the pupil for long periods of time. The cause of acute glaucoma is a buildup of fluid in the eye. Fluid build-up occurs because of poor drainage or an increase in production.

What Are The Symptoms Of Glaucoma?

Vision changes caused by glaucoma generally present initially as blank spots and peripheral blurring. Chronic glaucoma usually affects both eyes and affects people over the age of 65. Some of the common symptoms, in addition to the previously mentioned, include sore eyes, recurring headaches, and an increase in frequency of eye glass prescription changes. Previous eye injuries, waste buildup, cortisone use, and certain blood pressure or depression medications can contribute to glaucoma. Glaucoma causes permanent eye damage, and lost vision cannot be restored.

Treatment Options For Glaucoma

Doctors typically treat chronic glaucoma with medicated eye drops that lower intraocular pressure. Side effects vary depending on the prescribed medication. Surgeons may treat most acute cases and some chronic cases with surgery.

Unfortunately, surgery has a variable success rate. Natural therapies can help to moderate intraocular pressure, but acute attacks are a medical emergency and should be dealt with in a hospital setting.

To help prevent glaucoma, include regular aerobic exercise in your daily routine. It has been shown to decrease intraocular pressure for as long as the regimen is performed. Avoid stress and prolonged straining of the eyes.

Avoid smoky environments. Stay proactive about your eye health, have regular eye screenings and do not change your glaucoma medication without consulting your ophthalmologist.

Dietary changes for glaucoma involve identifying and avoiding food allergens. They cause a buildup of fluid in the body. Avoid all caffeine sources, including coffee, chocolate and soft drinks. Also, avoid alcohol, stimulants (including ephedra and licorice) and salt. Drink lots of filtered water in small amounts throughout the day. Eat foods that are high in vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin A and B vitamins. Some of these foods are sesame seeds, citrus fruits, carrots, beets, beet greens, spinach, broccoli, celery, blueberries, cherries and whole grains.