Glaucoma: Symptoms Questions and Preventions

glaucomaFrom newborn babies to senior citizens and every age group in between, glaucoma is a risk for everyone. According to Glucoma.org over 3 million Americans are diagnosed with glaucoma, but only half of those are aware they have it. Glaucoma has many types, but the two most common types are open-angel and angel-closure. Open-Angel Glaucoma is caused by clogging of the drainage canals with results in increased eye pressure. The slowly developed condition can have symptoms that can go unnoticed. Angel- Closure Glaucoma on the other hand develops quickly with symptoms that are very noticeable and caused by blocked drainage canals that cause increased fluid pressure inside the eye. A relatable comparison would be a bicycle tire. The correct amount of pressure is required to ensure performance, but when the pressure is too high, risks for developing the disease are greater.
Glaucoma is not curable, but there are ways it can be controlled. From foods to incorporate in your diet, to medicine that comes in eyedrops or pill form. It can be detected from various eye exams from your eye doctor. Early detection is very important to decrease the chance of the eyes worsening. Below are some questions to ask your doctor, symptoms and some food you should incorporate to your diet.
glaucoma
Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the forehead or eyes
  • Eye Redness
  • Decreased and blurred vision;
  • Vision halos
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and Vomiting

Add the following to your diet

  • Spinach
  • Salmon
  • Beets
  • Argula
  • Celery
  • Cabbage
  • Lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Fruits (peaches and apricots)
  • Milk
  • Liver
  • Cheese
  • Butter
  • Green tea
  • Dark chocolate
  • Black tea
  • Black coffee

Questions to ask your doctor

1.what are the common signs of glaucoma?

2. Which tests are performed to confirm I have glaucoma?

3. What is the long-term effect to the diagnoses?

4. Are there any activity restrictions?

5. How often do I need to have follow- up appointments?

6. How are my other health conditions affected with glaucoma?

In conclusion, one should avoid foods with high sodium and high-calorie fat foods and highly caffeinated beverages if diagnosed with glaucoma. Consuming a moderate amount of red wine, foods with omega-3 (fish and nuts) and eating lots of colorful fruit and vegetables will help reduce the risk.

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A BRIEF NOTE ABOUT DR. BRIAN

Throughout his highly respected career, cornea specialist Dr. Brian has never wavered with his integrity and dedication to always do the best for each and every patient - even in the face of adversity and peer pressure. Case in point: when he developed a procedure to treat a cornea condition known as Keratoconus. While other eye surgeons were entrenched in performing invasive and painful cornea transplants, Dr. Brian invented a new non-invasive procedure that prevented needing cornea transplants. He was shocked by the medical establishment being unwelcoming to his innovation because, as he later found out, his new procedure was preventing other eye surgeons from performing their lucrative cornea transplants. Dr. Brian persisted, went against the grain and didn’t give up because he believed in himself and in his procedure as it was in the best interest of patients. Eventually, he crossed paths with U.S. Olympic bobsled driver Steven Holcomb who had Keratoconus and became so depressed over it that he tried to commit suicide. Luckily, he survived. The United States Olympic team and his coaches found Dr. Brian and sent Steven to see him. Dr. Brian restored his vision to 20/20 which enabled Steven later win a historic Olympic gold medal for United States in bobsled - the first in 62 years! As a result, Dr. Brian was later invited to give a prestigious TEDx talk about his integrity and dedication to patients. You can watch his moving and inspiring TEDx talk here.

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