Have you regarded your eyes as tiny extensions to your health? Not just an eye disease, glaucoma is also associated with other bodily conditions. So, managing your entire body—mindful of both health and disease—can help your vision. Many aspects affect your eyesight such as your general health, lifestyle and even genealogy. We are able to prevent dire eye problems because these connections are understood. And just like exercising and eating healthy keeps your body fit, good regular maintenance of the eyes leads to good vision. Glaucoma doesn’t happen by itself; it nearly always comes with other conditions that make looking after your health more vital.
What is glaucoma?
An eye disease that can slowly take away one’s sight is glaucoma. A good analogy is a balloon that is overfilled with air; everything inside is gradually expanding and in due time, it will explode. There is a liquid called the aqueous humorwhich is found in the eye and must constantly be flowing in and out. Its primary purpose is to both nourish the eye and remove the waste. If gets retained and fails to drain as it should, then just like the balloon, pressure is built. This high pressure can harm the optic nerve, which acts as a wire carrying images from your eye to your brain. A damaged optic nerve can lead to a loss of vision. Destruction of the optic nerve results in vision loss. The tricky part? Glaucoma can develop without any warning signs!
Glaucoma and other health problems
Many people don’t realize that glaucoma is connected to other health conditions. Let’s take a look at a few:
Diabetes: Way Too Much Sugar Can Dull Your Vision
When the insulin in your body and the sugar in your blood isout of balance, diabetes is a result. It is a complication of this condition. If sugar levels become too high then the blood vessels in your eyes can suffer and risk glaucoma. A diabetic person has a much greater probability of developing glaucoma than a non-diabetic person. Consequently, eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis are an absolute necessity for those whose condition could predispose them to this dangerous eye disease.
Blood Pressure: Too High for Comfort, Too Low for Comfort
Blood pressure is like the voltage in the current. If it is too elevated (hypertension) then your eyes are at risk of having glaucoma because other parts of your eye can be impacted by the excess force. If it is too low (hypotension) your eye muscles won’t receive enough oxygen and nutrition. Balance the blood pressure in your system and you will preserve the health of your eyes.
Heart Disease: Eyes and the Heart Work in Synergy
Your heart supplies oxygenated blood to all the organs of your body including your eyes. Hearts that are weak or injured may not allow the eyes to receive enough oxygen, which can easily lead to glaucoma. It could be said that the eyes are attempting to thrive without the water that is necessary for their survival. This implies a very intimate connection between the heart and eyes. Persons with heart conditions will need to be more regular in their eye check-ups as they are at a higher risk of this condition.
What else can put you at risk for glaucoma?
Age and family history: Our eyes will naturally change as we age, your risk of glaucoma increases if you have a blood relative with the condition.
Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids taken for asthma or allergies, can increase eye pressure. Consult your doctor about the state of your eyes if you have been on these meds for a while.
Eye injuries: You have a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you’ve injured your eye by for instance while playing sportsor just a freak accident. Just as a scar on your skin may never totally heal, an injury to the eye can result in future problems. Make sure to wear protective eye gear when engaging in physical activities (especially sports or dangerous work).
You can help maintain eye health by:
l Have routine eye exams: Glaucoma can develop without your knowledge, so even when you are feeling healthy and free of symptoms make sure to have a comprehensive eye exam every 2 years.
l Limit health issues: Manage your diabetes, blood pressure and heart disease in control to reduce the risk.
l Extra precaution with medicines: If you are taking steroids or similar medication, be sure to ask your doctor if they conduct an eye checkup.
l Save your eyes: Put on safety goggles while playing sports or using tools.
Treat your eyes like you would treat your body
Your eyes are a window to your health. Remember to see an eye doctor regularly because glaucoma can be prevented or controlled if detected early. Ultimately, you have one set of eyes be sure to take good care of it.
(The author, Dr. Pradeep Balam, is a Consultant – Glaucoma, at Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad.)
