Glaucoma and Early Detection

Although glaucoma primarily affects the middle-aged and elderly, it can impact people of all ages. The loss of vision is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.

As of now, there is no cure for glaucoma. Yet, early detection and intervention in the form of medication that reduces the elevated intraocular pressure on the optic nerve or surgery can help slow or prevent further vision loss.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your elderly parents from glaucoma? Consider these additional prevention tips:

— Follow a program of regular exercise. Research has shown that moderate exercise such as walking or jogging three or more times every week can lower intraocular pressure on the optic nerve. Think about a walk in the woods, or around the block, a few times per week.

— Wear protective eyewear. This is important when engaged in sports activities or home improvement projects. Eye injuries can result in traumatic glaucoma or secondary glaucoma. Certainly needed on home improvement projects where dust, plaster and debris are in the air.

— Take prescribed eye drops. Glaucoma eye drops can significantly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. To be effective, eye drops prescribed by your doctor need to be used regularly even if you have no symptoms. For starters, make time for regular eye exams.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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