Glaucoma is a dangerous eye condition that can permanently impair eyesight.
Glaucoma in 40s: People begin to recognize small changes in their health and become more aware of the natural aging process in their 40s. One of the first senses to begin to decline with aging is vision. While comprehensive physics is often promoted to people in their 40s, eye exams do not receive the same promotion. Therefore, regardless of age or health, it is imperative to opt for regular eye exams to determine the risk of vision problems such as glaucoma. Dr. Medha Prabhudesai, Consultant – Glaucoma, Prabhudesai Eye Clinic shares the symptoms and steps to treat glaucoma.
5 Glaucoma Symptoms You Should Watch Out For
- eye pain
- redness
- Halos around lights
- headache
- Nausea
In patients with glaucoma, peripheral vision deteriorates slowly and irreversibly. Because the early stages are asymptomatic, the disease is often not diagnosed until later stages, when permanent vision loss has occurred. Its prevalence increases with age and is more common in those with a family history or those suffering from diabetes/hypertension. Regular activities such as stress, harsh sunlight, or digital strain can also affect eyesight, leading to vision distortion and blurring.
5 steps to reduce the risk of glaucoma
- A nutritious diet: It has been shown that a healthy diet can influence eye health and even prevent the onset of diseases such as glaucoma. Foods like cranberries, black and green tea, flax seeds, pomegranates and acai berries contain antioxidants.
- Exercise regularly: Yoga poses like headstand, prolonged downward dog, feet on the wall, plow and forward bend should be avoided if you have glaucoma and practice discipline.
- Consult a doctor: Glaucoma vision loss cannot be reversed, so it is essential that the condition is identified early and treated effectively.
- Healthy Body Weight: Both high and low body mass indexes (BMIs) can increase the risk of glaucoma.
- Lifestyle changes: If you’re at risk for glaucoma, there are some daily habits you can start or stop to reduce your chances of being diagnosed. You can quit smoking, consider trying meditation, and take care of your dental hygiene.
Additionally, risk factors such as family history and lifestyle diseases can predispose individuals to severe vision disorders. Some of these conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, refractive errors, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Most vision problems are asymptomatic in the early stages, so if left unchecked, they can lead to permanent vision loss. Comprehensive eye screening in patients at elevated risk may help reduce disease burden.
Awareness, regular checkups and eye care are, therefore, the keys to optimal eye health. Keeping risk factors under control is also crucial. Those entering their 40s must undergo regular comprehensive eye exams to ensure timely diagnosis.
