What Not To Eat If You Have Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease which progress slowly over a period of years. It is characterized by the rise in the intraocular pressure of the eye in the anterior region leading to the damage to the optic nerve. It affects more commonly old peoples. The causes can be congenital or acquired. It does not represent symptoms in the initial stage. If it is left untreated, there can be irreversible loss of vision. Modern researchers are working on to find a relevant influence of diet on glaucoma.

Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of eyes. It is not clear that there is a relationship between nutrition and glaucoma. Research is going on to establish the relevant relation of food and glaucoma. Physicians suggest some dietary changes that may affect glaucoma.

The Food That Is Suggested To Avoid Is Following-

The food that contains high quantities of saturated fat can have effects on glaucoma. Saturated food does not have much nutritional value and they just contribute to weight gain. It is better to avoid them if you have glaucoma. Louis R. Pasquale, MD and Jae Hee Kang in the “Journal of Glaucoma” states that a higher body mass index (BMI) is related to the rise in the intraocular pressure in the eye with the increased risk of glaucoma. The saturated foods that should be limited are beef and red meats.

Trans-fatty food is the food that is related directly to the rise in cholesterol levels. This food has low nutritional value. According to Dr. Kim Reed in the journal “Review of Optometry”, Trans –fatty food can cause significant damage to the blood vessels all over the body. Damage to the blood vessels of the eye directly damages the optic nerve in glaucoma. Removal of Trans-fats like French fries, cookies, donuts, and cakes from your diet can improve your eye health with the improvement of your overall health.

Dr. Eric Braverman on PathMed.com observed some people are allergic to certain food items which can increase the risk of glaucoma. Although it is not clear that there is a relationship between food allergies or glaucoma. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, the food that can trigger allergy is dairy products, soy, corn, and wheat. These food items should be avoided if you have allergic reactions.

If you are glaucoma patient, you should watch out for coffee. High intake of coffee should be regulated as coffee is known to raise the eye pressure leading to significant damage to optic nerve. A study by Avisar and colleagues in the “Annals of Pharmacotherapeutics” reveals that drinking caffeinated coffee can elevate the intraocular pressure in the eye.

No scientific study confirms that consumption of alcohol can elevate the intraocular pressure in the eyes. Avoidance of alcoholic beverages is better for glaucoma.

Water intake is not required to be reduced. You should spread out drinks throughout the day and drink only sips at a time. Avoid drinking volumes of drinks at a time as it may influence the pressure of the fluid on eyes.

• Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling or jogging can reduce pressure in the eyes. More the duration and intensity of aerobic exercises, the intraocular pressure will lower down more.
• Introduction of antioxidants like carrots, peaches in diet will reduce the risk of glaucoma.
• Diet rich in omega-6 and omega-3 oils can save you from the risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the increase in the pressure exerted by the fluid on the eyes. This can damage the optic nerve supply. It is not known that food has a direct relationship to glaucoma. Still, avoiding some foodstuff and maintain healthy living style can help to improve glaucoma.

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