The Prevention of glaucoma in seniors is unclear.
There is no cure for glaucoma, at this time.
My eye exam…
I was therefore SHOCKED at my last yearly eye examination!! My doctor stated I had an imperfection that could be glaucoma. After that I was sent to a specialist !!
The specialists said luckily it was a very slight indication of glaucoma. I do not need medications; however, I will need to be tested every year.
Therefore Listen to me and BE SURE to have yearly checkups.
We are all using more devices these days . Therefore there are special blue-light eye glasses . Wear them working on computers . Protect your eyes.
As A Result of Recent Studies for a cure
It has been found that Wild salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines are good natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition there are some supplements high in the omega 3 fatty acid now available. Why is that important you asked ? Continue Reading below.
In addition there have been very limited studies with humans. In 2007, a study by American Academy of Ophthalmology found a decrease of intraocular pressure, know as IOP. (using rats). The rats fed on a diet low in omega -3 fatty acid diets showed a deficiency.
As a result In the study, they discovered that Western diets are low in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is considerable higher in Japanese diets.( their diets are much higher in fish.) IPO increases, in the Western diets, with age. In Japan it decreases with age. The finding shows the difference in Omega 3 fatty acid in the two diets. Resulting in a possible prevention if used early on.
Detecting and Prevention of glaucoma in Seniors
Above all what helps in the ability to detect and prevent vision loss?
Regular FULL eye exams are the single most important thing anyone can do to prevent vision loss! Anyone under 40 years of age tested every 5-10 years, after 40 every two to four and annually after 55. Full exams for those over 50 with any history of glaucoma.
A full vision exam should include tonometry which is a vision field exam. And include an acuity assessment and a dilated eye exam.
In Addition Types of Vision Test
A full vision test exam includes a visual field exam which is tonometry. The acuity assessment and a dilated eye exam can determine if one has any types of eye disease. Tonometry measures the ocular pressure by determining the resistance of your cornea to indention (puffs of painless air directed quickly.)
A visual field exam tests the full field of vision by asking if you can see objects or flashes of light in various locations.( using a computer screen). The visual acuity exam starts with the familiar chart.
The dilated eye exam: Eyedrops dilate the pupils. The physicians can examine the retina and optic nerve. (widens )
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. It is imperative for people with glaucoma-related vision loss to learn what is available in vision technology, counseling and training.
Prevention of Glaucoma and Treatment
The treatment to control vision loss can be with medications. Usually eye drops and oral medications. (surgery is generally the last option)
Examples of medication might be Alpha-adrenergic agonists, beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
It is essential that the medications be take exactly as prescribed and have your regular exams.
Sometimes different drugs stop working over time or you might have a negative interaction. See you physician for regulation of your medications.
Marijuana as treatment
Marijuana does lower intraocular pressure. ( it would take smoking 8-10 times per day and it is illegal in most states)
Medication Management
Older people will sometimes need help with eye drops. (weakened motor skills) There are some devices on the market that can help them administer drops.
What about laser surgery ? Yes, Laser surgery is another treatment option. You will usually continue the drops, medications and regular , eye exams
Memory Issues and Medication Risk
In Addition Memory issues increase the risk of missing medications dramatically. Someone must assist anyone with memory impairment. Glaucoma medication is everyday!
In Conclusion
Remember, vision lost from glaucoma is vision lost forever.
Get your eyes checked regularly !!
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