4 Ways to Protect Your Eyes After Glaucoma Diagnosis

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on February 10, 2025

Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The condition causes damage to the optic nerve, and without treatment, the damage will eventually lead to vision loss or blindness.

Millions of people are diagnosed with glaucoma every year. While the exact causes of glaucoma are unknown, it’s often linked to high intraocular pressure.

There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are effective treatments that can prevent vision loss. Taking care of your eyes and following an appropriate treatment plan can protect your vision after a glaucoma diagnosis.

Keep reading to learn four ways to protect your eyes after a glaucoma diagnosis!

1. Follow Treatment Instructions

Your eye doctor may give you prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure. These medications need to be used according to the dosing instructions your doctor gives you.

If you are having trouble sticking to the prescribed medication schedule, talk to your eye doctor. It is very important that you take your medication exactly as prescribed, so if the regimen is too challenging for you to keep u with, they may switch you to another medication.

2. Manage Underlying Conditions

Diabetes can increase the risk of glaucoma and other diabetic eye disease. Excess blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eye, which may inhibit the natural drainage process and increase intraocular pressure.

All types of diabetes can affect the eyes, and the risk of eye complications increases the longer you have diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, or medication can slow the effects of diabetes.

Sleep apnea is another health condition that can worsen the effects of glaucoma. Talk to your doctor about your sleep habits. Sleep apnea may worsen glaucoma, so if you suspect you have sleep apnea, ask about getting a sleep study and appropriate treatment.

3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices are good for your overall eye health. A diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your eyes. You should avoid foods with high quantities of saturated fats.

Smoking tobacco and excessive alcohol use can speed the progression of glaucoma, so it’s best to limit or avoid smoking and drinking. Excessive caffeine consumption can also worsen glaucoma, so ask your doctor what a safe amount of caffeine is for you.

Adopting a healthy exercise routine may also be beneficial.

4. Regular Eye Exams and Monitoring

Your glaucoma management plan requires consistent monitoring to ensure your treatment is working effectively. Even if your symptoms seem stable, regular eye exams are essential because glaucoma damage can progress without noticeable symptoms.

During these check-ups, your eye doctor will measure your intraocular pressure, examine your optic nerve, and test your visual field to track any changes. These visits allow your doctor to catch any progression early and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Most patients with glaucoma should have comprehensive eye exams every couple of months, though your eye doctor may recommend more or less frequent visits based on your specific condition. Make sure to keep all scheduled appointments and contact your eye doctor if you notice any changes in your vision between visits.

Visual field tests are particularly important as they can detect small changes in your peripheral vision that you might not notice in your daily activities. Early detection of any vision changes gives you and your doctor the best chance to preserve your sight.

Do you have questions about living with glaucoma? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!