8 Things To Avoid If You Have Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a major cause of vision loss and blindness, both in Australia and globally. Whilst there is currently no cure for glaucoma, we do have reliable information on its causes and risk factors. This can help people who are at risk of glaucoma to reduce their chances of developing the condition and inform the treatment and management plans for people already living with glaucoma. 

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not a singular condition, but rather the term used to describe a collection of eye diseases that can cause loss of vision as a result of damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the key transporter for visual information between your eyes and your brain. Damage to this nerve causes loss of vision, which can happen gradually over time or suddenly. Unfortunately, there is no cure available for glaucoma, and the vision loss caused by the condition is irreversible. Early diagnosis of glaucoma can help to prevent further vision loss, however many people with glaucoma experience a very mild, gradual loss of vision which can make it harder to catch early. People with the earlier stages of glaucoma may start to lose their peripheral (side) vision first, which can go unnoticed until the condition becomes more advanced. Concerningly, as many as half of all people living with glaucoma don’t know they have it. Glaucoma often has no symptoms other than a gradual vision loss, which is why regular eye tests with a qualified eye specialist are so important for early detection and management. 

What causes glaucoma?

The eye is a complex, delicate organ that has many mechanisms in place to keep it healthy and functioning optimally. Your eyes are constantly producing a clear fluid called aqueous humour, which nourishes the eye tissue and helps it maintain its shape and structure. As aqueous humour is created it fills the front part of your eye, before draining away through channels in the back of your eye, which is called the anterior drainage angle or chamber angle. 

If these drainage channels become damaged or blocked, the aqueous humour cannot be drained away as quickly as it is produced. This leads to an increased amount of pressure in the eye, which is referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP) due to higher than normal optical fluid levels. As this internal pressure accumulates in the back of the eye, it can start to cause damage to the optic nerve, which sends messages from the eyes to the brain. The more damage is done to the optic nerve, the greater the impact on the individual’s vision loss. 

People with glaucoma have varying levels of IOP, and the level of pressure which causes vision loss for one person may not do so for another. It is possible to have glaucoma without having high internal eye pressure, a condition referred to as normal-tension glaucoma. It is also possible to have high eye pressure without experiencing glaucoma symptoms, a condition diagnosed as ocular hypertension. 

Best tactics to prevent glaucoma

Regular eye examinations are your best tool in preventing glaucoma

Due to the serious and irreversible nature of glaucoma and its associated vision loss or blindness, it is important to arm yourself with knowledge on how to prevent glaucoma. The most important thing you can do to prevent severe glaucoma is to have regular eye examinations to keep track of your eye health and vision over time. The earlier you detect signs of glaucoma, the greater your chances of intervening with effective management strategies to prevent any further damage to your vision.

Healthy adults under the age of 40 without additional risk factors for glaucoma should get their eyes tested once every two to four years. Those aged between 40 and 54 should get their eyes tested every one to three years, and those aged between 54 and 64 should get tested every year or two. Adults over the age of 65 should have an eye exam every six months to a year, and anyone with high-risk factors for glaucoma should be tested at least once a year from the age of 35. These recommended testing frequencies should be referred to as a guide. If you are unsure of how regularly to get tested for glaucoma, consult your trusted ophthalmologist or other eye health specialist. 

Protect your eyes from injury and traumatic glaucoma

In addition to regular glaucoma testing, it is important to protect your eye health by wearing protective equipment where necessary. Injuries to the eye, which can be acquired when playing sports, operating machinery or using tools, can cause sudden onset of acute traumatic glaucoma. Always ensure to wear eye protection in hazardous environments to prevent injuries and traumatic glaucoma. 

Exercise as a strategy for maintaining healthy eye pressure

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the most important glaucoma risk factor, so any lifestyle factors that can help maintain healthy IOP levels can help prevent glaucoma. Emerging research indicates that aerobic physical activity can play a protective role in eye health and prevent IOP-related optic nerve damage. Engaging in moderate physical activity, such as walking and jogging, appears to decrease an individual’s IOP. 

The extent of this IOP decrease is related to the duration and intensity of the physical activity and appears to have only a temporary effect, with eye pressure returning to normal relatively soon after the exercise ceases. However, maintaining a regular physical activity regime throughout your life can be an important protective factor. Not only does exercise help reduce IOP, but it may also help to maintain healthy blood flow to the eye tissue and the optic nerve, further protecting your eye health and vision. 

It is important to note that some exercise activities, such as intense weightlifting and inverted yoga poses (like handstands or headstands) may increase IOP for some people, thereby increasing the risk of developing glaucoma. People at high risk for developing glaucoma or who already have the condition should always consult their ophthalmologist before commencing a new exercise regime. 

Glaucoma treatment plan

If you or someone you love already lives with glaucoma, you may need to make some lifestyle changes to effectively manage your condition. People who detect their glaucoma early and manage it well can lead rich, fulfilling and normal lives. Whilst the damage done to the optic nerve cannot be reversed, there are things you can do to prevent further damage and ongoing vision loss. 

Most glaucoma treatment or management plans focus on keeping your eye pressure at an appropriate level that does not cause further damage to the optic nerve. The level of intraocular pressure that is ‘safe’ for people with glaucoma is different for everyone and may fluctuate over time. The eye specialist who diagnosed you and prescribed your treatment plan is the best person to ask any questions about your specific circumstances, and you should always adhere to the guidelines and recommendations they give you. 

Treatment plans vary between individuals but often include medication (oral and/or prescription eye drops), laser treatment, surgery, or some combination of all three. It is important to adhere to your treatment on a long-term basis to prevent any further damage to your eyes. 

Unfortunately, around 50% of people with glaucoma stop taking their medication within six months of their diagnosis, putting them at risk of further vision loss or blindness. People may stop taking their medication or using their eye drops because they simply forget or become complacent, they may have concerns about side effects, or they may have difficulty using their eye drops. 

It is essential to your long-term eye health to raise any issues with your management plan with your eye health professional rather than modifying it yourself. 

8 things to avoid in your glaucoma treatment plan

In addition to prescribed medications and laser or surgical procedures, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to manage your glaucoma or prevent it from progressing further. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, here are 8 things to avoid to protect your eye health and prevent further vision loss as a result of progressive glaucoma. 

1. Caffeine

Coffee and other highly caffeinated foods and beverages may increase intraocular pressure (IOP), posing a risk for damage to the optic nerve. Research suggests that those who regularly consume food or drinks with 180 mg or more caffeine showed a greater increase in IOP levels when compared with a control group. If cutting out caffeine altogether is too difficult, try to reduce your consumption or make substitutions that are lower in caffeine or decaffeinated. 

2. Trans fats and saturated fats

Trans fatty acids are often found in foods containing partially hydrogenated oils, such as deep-fried foods, some types of margarine and baked goods. Saturated fats are most often found in animal products, such as dairy and meat, as well as some processed and packaged foods. Regular consumption of foods high in trans fats and saturated fat is associated with a range of health complications, including elevated cholesterol and damage to the blood vessels. Excess trans and saturated fats in one’s diet can also increase the risk of obesity, which is linked with elevated IOP levels. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight can help reduce your risk of glaucoma. 

3. Swimming goggles

Swimming is a great form of low impact aerobic exercise, which can be beneficial for those living with glaucoma. However, the use of swimming goggles may temporarily increase intraocular pressure (IOP) and increase the risk of optic nerve damage. Whilst the use of swimming goggles does not appear to increase your risk of acquiring glaucoma, if you have already been diagnosed it is recommended to limit your use of smaller swimming goggles that put pressure around the eye socket in favour of wider, snorkelling-type goggles. 

4. Excessive sodium (salt)

Whilst salt intake is not considered a direct risk factor for glaucoma, it may play an indirect role in maintaining healthy eye pressure for those already living with the condition. Eye pressure is determined by the production and elimination of aqueous humour, which empties into the bloodstream. Excessive intake of sodium (salt) can lead to an increase in your overall blood pressure, which can potentially lead to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

5. Yoga

Yoga can be a great activity for mobility and overall fitness, however, for those living with glaucoma it can pose certain risks. Any posture that involves inversions, or being upside down with the head below or level with the heart, can increase pressure in the eye. If you do not wish to stop doing yoga, make sure you speak to your healthcare professional about adjustments to make your practice safer, such as requesting modifications for any inversions.

6. Tight collars and neckties

Wearing tightly collared shirts or neckties can increase the pressure in the head and neck, leading to increased pressure in the eye as well. Make sure you wear any necklaces, collars, ties or lanyards loosely and comfortably to avoid excess pressure in the eye.

7. Weight lifting

Whilst aerobic exercise may help lower your intraocular pressure (IOP), resistance-based training like weight lifting may do the opposite. Some studies have found that lifting heavy weights is associated with a significant, although temporary, increase in IOP. Whilst this doesn’t necessarily make weight lifting a risk factor for glaucoma among healthy adults, it is a good idea to talk to your ophthalmologist before starting a weight lifting regime if you are already diagnosed. 

8. Wind instruments

Playing certain wind instruments may harm the eye pressure of people living with glaucoma. This is particularly evident for instruments in which significant force is required from the airways, such as the trombone, trumpet or bagpipes. This is because of the excess pressure created around the neck, face and upper airways, which can elevate pressure within the eye. Other wind instruments, such as the flute, require less force to play and are thus considered safe. If unsure, always check with your eye specialist. 

Support for people living with glaucoma

Living with glaucoma can be life-changing for the individual affected, as well as their loved ones. This is especially true in cases where significant vision loss or blindness has already occurred by the time a diagnosis is made. Living with low vision or blindness can change the way you live, impacting your ability to work, travel within your community, and live independently at home. Support organisations like Vision Australia can provide people with glaucoma-related vision loss with services including counselling, connecting you with people with similar experiences, and making adjustments to your home or work environment to empower you to live as independently as possible. 

People living with glaucoma may also benefit from the support of qualified care professionals to assist with things like housekeeping, transport, shopping and personal care. Our team of compassionate Care Pros can help tailor a support package to you or a loved one living with glaucoma to live safely and independently from the comfort of their own home.