Are There Foods or Supplements That Can Help Reduce the Risk of Glaucoma?

A diet rich in all kinds of nutrients is no doubt going to be beneficial for your overall health. However, it’s not clear what the relationship between glaucoma and diet is. There are a lot of conflicting research results. However, many claim that the proper diet can help prevent or reduce the risk of glaucoma.
 

One study found that people who consume a specific mix of vitamins in high amounts can reduce the risk by at least half. This shows eye doctors need to emphasize prevention further when dealing with glaucoma. Before you try supplements or adjust your diet, though, ensure that you discuss it with your eye doctor.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. It’s a group of eye diseases caused by intraocular pressure (IOP). Usually, the eye pressure should only be around 12 to 18 mmHg. However, it sometimes elevates to over 20; when that happens, you risk developing severe eye conditions or disease.
 

In the case of glaucoma, the raised eye pressure permanently damages the optic nerve. When this happens, you get a type of vision loss called “tunnel vision.” It’s when you can’t see to the sides or your periphery. The treatment for glaucoma involves reducing IOP, which can be either through medications or surgery.
 

There is another way to treat or manage glaucoma: taking dietary supplements or certain foods. These and some lifestyle changes can lessen your risk of developing glaucoma or prevent your eye health from deteriorating quickly. There is no sure way you can prevent glaucoma, but diet and supplements can help.

Carotenoids and Vitamins A and C

Eat a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables to ensure you get the vitamins and minerals essential for your vision health. Fruits and vegetables are important because they are a primary source of carotenoids like zeaxanthin, lutein, and meso-zeaxanthin. Carotenoids can help minimize macular oxidative damage by absorbing 90% blue light.
 

There are also plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins A and C. Both vitamins help reduce the risk of glaucoma. Carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin and lutein, and vitamins A and C can help protect the eyes from optic nerve damage. They also offer protection against damage to other eye tissues affected when you have glaucoma.
 

Some of the fruits and vegetables that can improve eye health include:
 

• Kale

• Spinach

• Cabbage

• Green beans

• Carrots

• Celery

• Collard greens

• Beets

• Brussels sprouts

• Flax seeds

• Acai berries

• Bilberry

• Pomegranate

• Black and green tea

• Lycopene

Minerals and Other Nutrients

If you have other nutritional deficiencies that you can’t get or fill with fruits and vegetables, you can address them using supplements. Supplements containing vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex can help improve vision health. Besides vitamins, there are calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
 

Good nutrition helps prevent disease and boost overall health, including eye health. However, it’s essential to remember that they are not cures for glaucoma. They may be able to reduce the risk and boost your eye health, but you cannot solely rely on them. Make sure to listen to your doctor and follow their advice.
 

If you want more advice on managing glaucoma, call Quality Eye Care at (904) 601-1300, or visit us at our offices in Jacksonville and Gainesville, Florida.