7 Tips for People Newly Diagnosed With Glaucoma

The first step in managing glaucoma is understanding your specific condition. There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle and angle-closure.

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s understandable that you might be feeling overwhelmed. Receiving news about a health condition can be unnerving, especially when it involves something as precious as your eyesight. Fortunately, while glaucoma is a serious condition, there are effective ways to manage it. Continue reading for essential tips and strategies for dealing with a new glaucoma diagnosis.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that causes damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Regular eye examinations are crucial to diagnosing glaucoma due to the silent nature of the disease, as it is often asymptomatic in early to moderate stages.

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve is irreversible, and any vision that is lost cannot be recovered. However, early detection and appropriate treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and minimize future vision loss.

Tip 1: Understand Your Condition

The first step in managing glaucoma is understanding your specific condition. There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, and secondary glaucomas. Each type has different causes and, therefore, different treatment strategies.

Learn more about the disease by familiarizing yourself with its potential symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Trusted websites like the Glaucoma Research Foundation and the National Eye Institute provide in-depth information on the many different types of glaucoma.

Your eye doctor can explain which form you have, the severity of your condition, prognosis and your treatment options. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to ask.

Tip 2: Diligently Follow Your Treatment Plan:

Once you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, following your doctor’s treatment plan is crucial. Treatment can help manage the disease and prevent further vision loss, but it cannot reverse any existing damage. Various treatments often include prescription eye drops, pills, laser procedures and/or surgery. Be sure to use your medication as prescribed. If you have trouble remembering, set reminders, an alarm on your phone or any other method that works for you.

Tip 3: Monitor Your Eye Pressure

Regular eye exams that include testing your vision, eye pressure measurements, dilation and additional diagnostic testing are essential to ensure your glaucoma is under control. Your doctor can monitor the progression of your condition and provide recommendations for maintaining your vision and ocular health. The frequency of these exams will depend on the stability and/or severity of your condition and the judgment of your eye doctor.

Tip 4: Communicate With Your Doctor

It’s essential to communicate with your doctor. Consider you and your provider as a team, working together with the common goal to control this condition. Treatments may have different side effects and it’s important to relay any concerns that you have.  Depending on your particular circumstances, your doctor can provide solutions or adjustments as needed.

Tip 5: Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Research suggests that certain lifestyle choices may protect your eyes and help manage glaucoma. Regular exercise, a healthy weight, and a healthy diet of fruits and green, leafy vegetables may be beneficial. It has been suggested that excessive amounts of caffeine may have the potential to increase eye pressure, so consider drinking caffeinated beverages only in moderation..

Tip 6: Protect Your Eyes

Be extra cautious to avoid injury to your eyes. If you participate in sports or activities that can potentially harm your eyes, it is always recommended to wear protective eyewear. Sunglasses with UV protection are recommended to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Tip 7: Reach Out for Support

You’re not alone in your glaucoma journey. There are online and in-person support groups that can help you navigate the challenges of living with this condition. Support communities offer an opportunity to connect with others that may be dealing with similar experiences, building a sense of comradeship. Sharing your tips and experiences can be extremely helpful for yourself and others.

Being newly diagnosed with glaucoma can be an overwhelming experience. However, understanding the disease, managing it effectively, and knowing how to adapt can help ensure a fulfilling life.

Help Us Provide Hope

With early diagnosis, treatment, and careful monitoring, glaucoma can be successfully treated, preventing it from causing permanent and significant vision impairment. Your support can help dedicated researchers continue to discover the causes and cures for glaucoma. In addition, your donations give hope to those living with glaucoma and accelerate our search for a cure.

Posted on July 26, 2023. Article reviewed by Lisa M. Young, OD, FAAO.