Glaucoma FAQs

Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease affecting more than three million Americans. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, accounting for about 90 percent of all glaucoma cases. It develops slowly and often goes unnoticed, which is why routine screenings are vital for detecting and treating it early.

Glaucoma can affect anybody, which makes regular screenings more important, particularly as we age. Because glaucoma symptoms can be mild or nonexistent, we recommend regular eye exams starting in your 40s. However, if you have any of the following risk factors, earlier screening may be recommended. Risk factors include:

• Age over 60
• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes
• High eye pressure
• African American / Hispanic heritage

While medication and surgical treatments are typically necessary to control the disease, certain lifestyle changes may slow the progression of glaucoma.

Exercise: Low-intensity aerobic activity, such as walking or swimming, can reduce eye pressure. Avoid certain yoga positions, such as headstands or shoulder stands (in which the head is below the level of the heart), which can increase eye pressure.

Diet: A diet high in nitrates and leafy green vegetables may be beneficial for glaucoma patients. However, caffeine has been shown to raise intraocular pressure.

Yes, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, patients are four to nine times more likely to develop glaucoma if there is a family history of the disease. There is also a known link between high blood pressure (another condition that can run in families) and optic nerve damage. If you have a family history of either high blood pressure or glaucoma, it’s important to have your eyes monitored throughout your lifetime with regular exams.

The best way to test for glaucoma is through a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist. At Florida Eye Specialists, this includes tonometry to measure eye pressure, OCT imaging to examine the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye, visual field testing to assess peripheral vision loss, and optic nerve photography to monitor for changes over time. Our glaucoma specialists provide a thorough diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.