It is estimated that above 6% of Thai people above the age of fifty are affected with primary open-angle glaucoma, while 7% of the Thai population suffer from this vision impairment, according to the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. These staggering figures are exactly why it’s imperative for people above the age of thirty to start being conscious of maintaining their eye health and to understand exactly how glaucoma is prevented through early treatment with a
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If You Don’t Know What Glaucoma Is
Glaucoma is an eye disease that directly damages the optic nerve, which is the important connection between the eye and the brain. This happens when there is excessive fluid buildup on the front area of the eye, which results in increased pressure that could damage the optic nerve. It is often considered a silent killer that by the time someone finds out he has glaucoma, it’ll be through vision loss or, at the very least, affected eyesight. In fact, it is the leading cause of blindness in people over sixty years old, which is why ophthalmologists insist on early detection and treatment to preserve a person’s vision even in his advanced age.
How To Steer Clear Of Glaucoma
Like other diseases, prevention is always better than cure. The only way to treat glaucoma is to stay ahead of it through frequent eye checkups and visits to your choice of eye hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s advisable to see your ophthalmologist for regular eye exams at least once a year. This will ensure that you will maintain your eye health through early detection of symptoms and manifestations of glaucoma.
Next, you should also do well to avoid steroidal medicine or make sure to consult with your eye doctor before taking steroids for any length of time. High doses of steroids can actually increase eye pressure, especially if you already manifest any symptoms of glaucoma.
Third, it’s important to take care of your eye health by watching the foods you consume. Green leafy vegetables high in lutein and optein are manna from heaven but for your eyes. These also contain important vitamins and minerals that will nourish not just your eyes but your overall health as well.
Also, did you know that sleeping in the right position could actually decrease your chances of having glaucoma? Sleep is very important in keeping your vision at its peak, but many people who have sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea, are more prone to glaucoma and other serious diseases. As such, it’s best to avoid sleeping with your eye pressed against the pillow or with your arm resting right above your eyes. Avoid putting any pressure on your eyes as you sleep, such as a sleep mask or an eye mask because these items could seriously increase your risk of vision impairment as a symptom of glaucoma.
Lastly, it’s important to protect your eyes from sunlight in the same manner that you would protect your skin from harmful UV/A/B rays of the sun. There is enough literature in modern medicine to prove that sunlight could significantly increase your chances of eye damage. Wear polarised sunglasses and a hat when venturing outdoors, especially during noontime and until 3:00 in the afternoon when direct sunlight is overhead.
Glaucoma doesn’t have to destroy your life because there are certainly treatments available in Bangkok, Thailand. Protecting your vision doesn’t have to be a self-effort but a partnership between you and your eye doctor.
