Nutrition and Lifestyle

Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Glaucoma

Nutrition and lifestyle affect the development and progression of glaucoma by controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) and supporting overall eye health. Diet and exercise play important roles in preserving vision. Since glaucoma cannot be cured and vision loss cannot return, doctors focus on preventing glaucoma in at-risk individuals and slowing its progression in patients.

Eating nutrient-rich foods and staying active support overall health, but research shows that certain nutrients protect the eyes more effectively and lower the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma. Ophthalmologists encourage patients with glaucoma to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition’s Effect on Glaucoma

Healthy eating is not a substitute for glaucoma treatment, however, good nutrition can play a role in glaucoma prevention, as well as helping maintain eyesight in glaucoma patients. Foods that can provide protection for vision include those containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins A (especially retinol), C, and E, and zinc.

Lutein and zeaxanthin naturally occur in the eyes and support eye health. They also help reduce risk factors for glaucoma. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables contain high amounts of these antioxidants. A good rule of thumb to obtain the proper nutrients for ocular health is to eat colorfully (especially green and orange).

Additional green foods beneficial for eye health include:

  • Brussel sprouts and broccoli
  • Green peas, beans, peppers, and olives
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Avocadoes

Orange and yellow foods that can help maintain vision are:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Egg yolks
  • Carrots
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Cantaloupe
  • Apricots
  • Cheese
  • Pumpkin
  • Summer squash
  • Corn
  • Papaya

Other foods that promote healthy eyes:

  • Seafood, nuts, and flaxseed (due to the omega-3 fatty acids)
  • Berries
  • Tomatoes (or products containing lycopene)
  • Cauliflower
  • Dark chocolate
  • Whole grains and cereals
  • Milk
  • Lean meats
  • Green tea and coffee (unsweetened and in moderation if caffeinated)

Foods to Avoid with Glaucoma

For glaucoma patients, what you don’t eat can be just as important to your eye health as the foods you do consume. People with glaucoma must maintain proper eye pressure, so doctors recommend avoiding foods and drinks high in caffeine. You can enjoy coffee and tea with antioxidants, but drink them in moderation to prevent raising blood pressure, which can increase IOP.

Keep salt intake low to help control blood pressure. Drinking large amounts of liquid at once can also raise eye pressure, so sip small amounts throughout the day.

Nutritional Supplements for Glaucoma Patients

Because food processing removes many important nutrients, doctors often recommend that you supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals, or herbs that you may not get from daily meals.

Glaucoma patients should always consult their ophthalmologist before beginning any supplement regiment since it is possible to take in too many vitamins and minerals. Consuming too much of certain herbs, vitamins or minerals can result in serious health problems. Some supplements taken in excess can actually damage vision or increase the risk of bleeding should the patient undergo glaucoma surgery.

While eating healthfully is the safest way to get proper nutrition, your ophthalmologist can advise you if you need additional supplements in your diet to help maintain eye health.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Glaucoma

For patients diagnosed with glaucoma, the most important lifestyle change is the compliance with glaucoma treatment. Most glaucoma treatments involve instilling glaucoma eye drops, so understanding how to use eye drops properly is imperative. While not particularly difficult, adhering to your medication schedule is necessary to successful glaucoma treatment.

Other lifestyle recommendations to maintain ocular health include:

  • Safe exercise: Studies show that moderate exercise can reduce several risk factors for glaucoma. Your exercise and glaucoma should both be monitored by your doctor.
  • Elevate the head while sleeping: A 20-degree incline with a wedge pillow can reduce intraocular pressure.
  • Stress relief:
  • Regular ophthalmologic check-ups: Since glaucoma typically has no warning signs, having an annual comprehensive eye exam will allow for early detection of glaucoma (especially if you are at high risk, such as family history). If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your ophthalmologist should monitor your condition regularly.

While no diet or lifestyle change can replace glaucoma treatment, evidence suggests that both healthy eating and moderate exercise can contribute to glaucoma prevention and overall good ocular health.