Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that can sneak up on you, especially because there are sometimes no early symptoms of the disease. The best way to prevent glaucoma is to see your eye doctor in the Pittsburgh area, but there are other things you can do to protect yourself, as well.

Get Dilated Eye Exams

Dilation involves the dilating of the pupils, so the eye doctor can look inside the eye to see what’s happening inside. Dilation is an easy way for the eye doctor to check for conditions like glaucoma.

Not all eye exams involve dilation, so if you’re interested in getting a dilated eye exam, talk to your eye doctor.

Know the Risk Factors

Some people are more at risk to get glaucoma than others. Some risk factors to be aware of include:

• Age – people over age 60 are more likely to get glaucoma
• Family history – if people in your family have glaucoma, you are at higher risk as well
• Medical conditions – if you have diabetes, then you are at higher risk to get diabetes

Exercise

Exercising can help reduce your risk of glaucoma, as long as you continue to exercise three or more times per week. If you stop exercising, then the benefits wear off.

Wear Protective Eye Gear

Traumatic glaucoma is caused by eye injuries, so protecting your eyes when engaged in sports can help you prevent this problem. If you’re an athlete, wear protective eye wear when appropriate.

Concerned About Glaucoma? Get An Eye Exam Today

The key to fighting glaucoma is getting regular eye exams. If it’s been a long time since your last eye exam in the Pittsburgh area, then you may be due for one. Contact the professionals at Lappen Eye Care to get your eyes examined today.