The Traffic Light Guide
Living with glaucoma involves lifelong care and regular monitoring. The good news is that many aspects of management are simple and can easily become part of your everyday routine. To make it easier to remember, think of your habits and lifestyle choices in the form of a traffic light system: green for healthy habits to continue, yellow for things to do in moderation, and red for actions to avoid.
Green Zone
- Schedule regular eye examinations, ideally once a year, especially after the age of 40.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and promote eye health.
Specific for Glaucoma Patients:
- Use your glaucoma eye drops exactly as prescribed by your ophthalmologist, even if your vision feels normal. Consistency is key to keeping the disease under control.
- Sleep in a slightly propped-up position, which can aid in fluid drainage and reduce pressure on the eyes.
Yellow Zone
- Limit your intake of coffee, tea, and alcohol. Small amounts are acceptable, but excessive consumption can temporarily affect eye pressure.
- Avoid drinking large quantities of water in one sitting. While it is essential to drink at least two litres or more across the day, try not to consume more than three to four glasses, or about one litre, at once.
Red Zone
- Refrain from head-down yoga postures such as shirsasana or other exercises where your head remains below your heart. These can increase eye pressure.
- Avoid heavy weight-lifting or strenuous activities that cause straining.
- Do not smoke, as smoking affects blood circulation to the optic nerve and can worsen damage.
Maintaining these habits, alongside regular check-ups with your eye specialist, helps to keep glaucoma under control. Remember, good care is not just about treatment but also about consistency, awareness, and a healthy lifestyle.