Glaucoma is a serious eye disorder, which involves an increased intraocular pressure (increased pressure inside the eye). The cause of glaucoma is not known. There are two types of glaucoma: acute/closed angle glaucoma and the more common chronic/open angle glaucoma. Approximately 90% of glaucoma is of the chronic open angle type, and this is what we will concentrate on in this literature. There is a high genetic tendency of glaucoma, and it is important to have an eye exam every year, as untreated, it may lead to total blindness. The incidence is higher after 35 years of age, for diabetics, those of African-American descent, and from corticosteroid drugs.

Signs and Symptoms:

Initially, there is loss of peripheral (sides) vision.
Progression of the disease leads to loss of central and finally entire loss of vision.
Headaches
Changes lens strength in glasses frequently.
Perception of halos around lights.

Lifestyle Changes:

Get 8 hours of sleep.
Avoid stress.
Stop smoking.
Exercise.

Dietary Changes:

Avoid intake of large amounts of fluids at once.
Low fat diet. Eliminate all saturated fats from the diet. There is some research showing that there is an accumulation of lipids (fats) in the eye of glaucoma sufferers compared to normal controls.
Avoid caffeine.
Increase fruit and vegetable intake.

Glaucoma Management Protocol: