Glaucoma is an eye disease that can affect your sight, vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. About 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with glaucoma. Here are some steps you can take to maintain good eye health:
- Visit your eye doctor once a year. If you or your family are at high risk, speak with your provider about receiving a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
- Eat vegetables and fruit every day. They contain vitamins and minerals to help protect your eyes.
- Protect your eyes in sunlight by wearing polarized sunglasses. This will help prevent UV rays from entering your eyes.
- Brush and floss your teeth every day. Gum disease shows a link to optic nerve damage in glaucoma.
- Avoid sleeping with your eye against a pillow or on your arm. This will help protect the nerves in your eye.
By visiting your eye doctor, eating well, protecting your eyes, brushing and flossing, and sleeping in the right position, you can protect your eyes from Glaucoma. Taking these steps will help protect your vision and can reduce your risk of vision loss.
Sources:
About Glaucoma | Vision and Eye Health | CDC
10 Things To Do Today To Prevent Vision Loss From Glaucoma – American Academy of Ophthalmology