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What kind of glaucomaAre there any treatments or preventative measures?Let's look at them one by one.
All current glaucoma treatments aim to prevent further progression of visual field loss by lowering intraocular pressure. Early detection and treatment significantly increase the chances of maintaining vision throughout life.
Drug therapy is the first option considered to slow the progression of glaucoma. This involves lowering intraocular pressure with eye drops administered once or twice daily.
Normally, eye drops lower intraocular pressure, but if you stop using them, the pressure will return to its original level. It's similar to blood pressure medication; it's important to use the eye drops every day without fail.
If the intraocular pressure does not decrease to the target level, we will increase or change the type of eye drops used. For such patients, more regular use of eye drops is important.When using multiple eye drops, it is important to leave at least 5 minutes between applications. This is because the later eye drop will wash away the previous one. Follow the prescribed timing. It is more effective to keep your eyes closed after applying eye drops. Blinking will cause the eye drops to run down your nose with your tears. Also, be sure to wipe away any eye drops that have dripped around your eyes. To prevent skin darkening or other side effects, it is effective to close your eyes and wash your face at least 5 minutes after applying eye drops. Therefore, we recommend applying eye drops at night before taking a bath, and in the morning immediately after waking up, before washing your face.
If eye drops do not lower your intraocular pressure to the target level, or if visual field defects worsen, laser treatment or surgery may be considered. Please use the eye drops correctly as directed by your doctor.
Intraocular pressure can be lowered through laser treatment or surgery. While glaucoma treatment, including surgery, cannot restore vision, it can help maintain current vision.
Intraocular pressure and blood flow are affected by the state of the autonomic nervous system. When the autonomic nervous system is disrupted due to stress or lack of sleep, intraocular pressure and blood flow become unstable, which is said to increase the risk of glaucoma. In addition, insufficient nutrition due to an unbalanced diet can weaken the function of nerve cells. Regulate your autonomic nervous system with sufficient exercise and sleep, and make sure to eat a nutritious diet.
In daily life, it's important to be mindful of not increasing intraocular pressure. Avoid pressing hard on your eyeballs through your eyelids, and avoid wearing tight clothing or ties that constrict your neck.
Postures that position the head below the heart (such as standing on your head or lying face down), prolonged reading, and excessive smartphone use can also increase intraocular pressure.
It's also important to adopt a lifestyle that promotes good blood flow. Recent studies have revealed that glaucoma patients tend to have reduced blood flow to their eyes compared to healthy individuals. To prevent glaucoma, take steps such as getting moderate exercise, taking baths at a temperature that is not too hot, and taking supplements that are effective in improving blood flow to the eyes.
To detect glaucoma,I went to see an ophthalmologist.Fundus examination * etc.You need to.Without fundus examinationA health checkup alone is insufficient.If you have any concerns about your eyes,Consult an ophthalmologist.
*Using a camera, etc., the blood vessels at the back of the eye,Examination to check the retina, optic nerve, etc.