Glaucoma is the multifactorial complex disorder characterized by high pressure within the eyes. It may develop to serious irreversible blindness if not treated at the earlier. Treatment for glaucoma is not supportive if the patient is in the advanced phase. However, few alternate measures are supportive i.e. nutrient-rich diet and regular physical exercise can minimize the intraocular pressure and prevent the vision loss. It is the only option for the maintaining healthy eyes and strong vision. Vitamins and minerals get well absorbed in the human body through blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. Their primary function is to nourish all organs, particularly in this issue eyes sights, are more benefited.
What Foods To Eat To Lower Eye Pressure?
Among the food nutrients, vitamins have a significant part in sustaining the normal vision and lack of vitamins may result in abnormal intraocular pressure. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) necessitates high concentration when compared to other nutrients. Deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to scurvy disorder which can cause dry eyes with grittiness (sand in the eyes) in the affected individuals. Vitamin A is categorized as fat-soluble, has several important functions of eyes sights. It is a group of unsaturated dietary organic compounds that comprises retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamins A carotenoids. Lutein a characteristic of yellow colored plant compound, naturally a xanthophyll and well-known carotenoids group. It is found in great amounts in green leafy vegetables which is good for healthy vision. According to American optometric association, 10 mg/day is recommended for triggering the level of the antioxidant enzyme.
The level of anti-oxidant is high in vitamins which is helpful in preventing glaucoma disease as well the formation of toxic free radicals. This can damage the vision slowly when individual ages it become severe. B Vitamins, particularly B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine) is essential to prevent the formation of the pink eye characterized by inflammation or allergies seen predominantly in the eyeball and inner eyelids more like eye conjunctivitis and contagious in nature.
Food nutrients rich in zinc are necessary for absorption of Vitamins A in the digestive system and assist many anti-oxidant enzymes to decrease the level of free radicals. One of the fascinating functional use of zinc compound it is essential for combating night blindness. Zinc supports the production of a colored pigment known as melanin, which defends the eyes cornea. Seafood oysters, beef, lambs, eggs, peas, tofu, mushroom, wheat, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and spinach are richly contained zinc nutrients.
In addition to zinc, seafood has a greater quantity of omega-3 fatty acids, useful in preventing and decreasing the risk of high ocular pressure as they contain antioxidants and bioflavonoids. Omega-3-fatty acids foods aid in promoting the eyes health by elevating the function of nerve cells in the retina. Fish, flaxseeds, cod liver oil, walnuts, soybeans and raw tofu foods are rich in omega-3-fatty acids.
Exercise
Physical exercise regularly and routinely can reduce over-all hypertension including the level of intraocular pressure. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation and walking at moderate speed exercise may help in preventing the earlier stages of glaucoma and promote good vision. Yoga for glaucoma can help to boot out eye pressure and strengthen the muscles. There is no cure for glaucoma but some yoga position is scientifically proven i.e. aid in preventing the progression of the eye disorder slowly. In general, dark green, yellow, and citrus fruits and vegetables rich in lutein and zeaxanthin; fruits and vegetables abundant in Vitamin C, A, E and D; foods rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are must for healthy vision and must be included regularly in everyday diet.
Lifestyle Habits
Caffeine intake at a high level per day is suggested to limit as it involved in the increase of eye pressure. Smoking, excess consumption of alcohol and unhealthy junk food are a potential risk of high pressure in the eyes. Only healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet can progress the good health and mental well-being.
- National Eye Institute. “Facts About Glaucoma.” https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution.” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/
- American Heart Association. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease.” https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids
- Mayo Clinic. “Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Yoga May Help Treat Glaucoma.” https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/yoga-may-help-treat-glaucoma
- American Optometric Association. “What Is Dry Eye?” https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye
- American Heart Association. “How Potassium Can Help Control High Blood Pressure.” https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/how-potassium-can-help-control-high-blood-pressure
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