The effects of aging aren’t just about gray hair and wrinkles. There are health conditions that come with age. For instance, glaucoma is an eye condition that accounts for about 10% of total blindness in Americans, most of whom are seniors. Spotting the warning signs early on with regular check-ups from an eye doctor is essential to treatment and prevention. Eye Care Specialists of Florida, serving Kissimmee, FL, and the surrounding area, are here to share strategies for preventing age-related glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Damage occurs to the optic nerve (the transmitter of signals from the brain to the eye) due to pressure buildup. Pressure builds up in the eye due to poor drainage or excess production of eye fluid.

Protecting Your Eyes Against Glaucoma

Glaucoma progresses without exhibiting obvious symptoms. By the time you know, the disease has already advanced to an irreversible stage. You need an eye exam by a trained eye doctor to discover this condition. Annual check-ups are recommended, especially if you are age 40 or above. This way, an eye doctor can detect glaucoma at an early stage when it’s still manageable.

Other steps you can take to protect your eyes from glaucoma include:

• Stop smoking: Smoking puts you at an increased risk of age-related eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Yes, quitting smoking is difficult, but you can start gradually to save your sight.
• Maintain proper diet: Include eye-friendly foods in your menu to improve the health of your eyes. Vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids are good for the eyes. Avoid overindulgence in sugar and salt.
• Stay active: Regular exercises reduce ocular pressure, improve cardiovascular circulation, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid eye injuries: If you participate in activities that might injure your eyes, consider eye protection. Eye injuries can trigger the onset of glaucoma.

A diagnosis of glaucoma doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose your vision. There are glaucoma treatment options to help maintain your sight.

Ophthalmology Services in Kissimmee, FL

Ready for an eye check-up? Suspect you have glaucoma? Need to learn more about glaucoma prevention? You can get all these services at Eye Care Specialists of Florida in Kissimmee. Book an appointment today by calling us at (407) 483-0328.