Risk Factors Can Influence The Risk of Developing Glaucoma

Genetics are NOT the only risk factor for Glaucoma.
Glaucoma is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. Now that you have learnt about your genetic risk, you can determine how aggressively you need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
The earlier in your life that you commit to living a healthy lifestyle, the more you can reduce your risk for or delay the development of Glaucoma.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Dietary Recommendations:

1. Consume more foods that contain carotenoid as they are good for sight health. Examples of vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids: carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe, mangoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and oranges.
2. Consume more foods that contain vitamin A & C. For example, collard greens, cabbage, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, celery, carrots, peaches, radishes, green beans, and beets.
3. Do not drink more than 5 cups of coffee in a day. Minimize coffee intake as it modifies the gene that is responsible for high risk of glaucoma.
4. It is advised to consume more leafy green vegetables as a diet that is high in nitrate was found to be associated with a lower risk of open-angle glaucoma.
5. Dietary intake of calcium and iron were found to be associated with decreased risk for glaucoma but consumption of mineral supplements with iron, calcium and magnesium might increase the risk of glaucoma.

Supplement Recommendations:

1. To prevent glaucoma, it is recommended to take multivitamin pills that contain vitamin A, B-complex, E, C, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
2. Omega-3 oil is important for general eye health.
3. Dietary intake of calcium and iron were found to be associated with decreased risk for glaucoma but consumption of mineral supplements with iron, calcium and magnesium might increase the risk of glaucoma.
4. High intake of retinol equivalents and vitamin B1 has shown to have a protective effect on open-angle glaucoma.

Lifestyle Recommendations:

1. Consume sufficient water throughout the day.
2. Be sure to always maintain a normal blood pressure.
3. It is advised that you should not smoke, or stop smoking if you are a smoker.
4. If you have known family history of glaucoma, be sure to regularly get dilated eye examinations every 5 - 10 years. The risk of glaucoma will increase with age, hence more frequent visits are required as you age as well.
5. Diabetic patients are at higher risks of getting glaucoma. Be sure to control your blood sugar level as recommended by your doctor.
6. Certain drugs may cause glaucoma
7. be sure to check with your doctor.

Exercise Recommendations:

1. Studies have found that regular aerobic exercise can decrease intraocular pressure.
2. Aerobic exercises are highly recommended for a duration of 45 minutes, 3 - 4 times a week
3. such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling and jogging.
4. Certain activities like weightlifting, sprinting, and yoga (in certain positions) may also increase eye pressure. It is advised that you should practice those with caution or under the advice of your doctor.

Result Explanation Recommendations:

1. Stop smoking to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Smoking causes excessive oxidative and tissue damage to the vascular system. This can dramatically accelerate plaque buildup and CAD.
2. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of CAD progression. Avoid exceeding more than 2 servings of alcoholic beverages per day. However, studies have shown light alcohol consumption to be beneficial in stimulating a healthy heart function. A serving of wine a day is high in resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that can preserve healthy heart function.
3. Aim to do more physical activities to increase cardiovascular and respiratory performance as well as improve body composition.