What to Eat If You Have Glaucoma

You’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma. You want to do everything you can to preserve your sight. You’re likely aware that glaucoma can rob you of your vision if left untreated. 

Our board-certified ophthalmologists with Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, provide expert glaucoma treatment that helps you maintain your sight. We explain the type of glaucoma that you have and how we can treat your glaucoma to preserve your vision. 

Doctors aren’t yet clear on the exact cause of glaucoma, but it often occurs if you have excess fluid buildup that creates elevated pressure inside your eye. The pressure damages your optic nerve, one of the mechanisms that controls your sight. 

Genetics and race play a role in glaucoma risk. Your race may predispose you to a higher-than-normal risk of glaucoma. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans are more at risk than Caucasian Americans. 

Although there is a 50% chance of a genetic link if you develop the most common form of glaucoma, called open-angle, you can do things to help lower the risk of complete vision loss. What you eat and drink matters, according to scientific studies. 

Foods to eat if you have glaucoma 

Scientists have discovered an association between eating leafy green vegetables and glaucoma risk. Eating vegetables like kale, spinach, and other leafy greens may reduce the risk of glaucoma. Even though you have the disease, there may be a benefit to eating more of these vegetables.

Do you like fruit? If you do, increase your intake to three or more servings a day. One study of African American females concluded that those who ate that amount of fruit or juice were 79% less likely to have glaucoma. Fruit juice is often sweetened, so try to stick to eating more fruit. 

According to studies, consuming more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids could lower pressure inside your eye, which contributes to glaucoma. Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are abundant sources. They can also help lower cholesterol levels. 

Last but not least, try developing a taste for hot tea. A British study found that drinking a cup of hot tea daily lowered glaucoma risk by a whopping 74% compared to those who don’t drink tea. 

Foods to avoid if you have glaucoma 

Foods on the unhealthy list in many well-known diets, such as the Mediterranean Diet, are known risk factors for open-angle glaucoma. These foods — including processed, sugary, store-bought foods and starchy, fatty, and fried foods — play a role in metabolic syndrome, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Doctors know that high blood pressure increases pressure in your eye, so lowering your blood pressure is a priority if you have glaucoma. 

Our experienced ophthalmologists may treat your glaucoma with medicated eye drops to control it. We tell you if you need surgery to treat your symptoms.

Call Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, or book an appointment through our online portal today. We can help you see clearly.