How can I prevent glaucoma? This is a great question I was asked by a health conscious mate with family history of glaucoma. Physical Activity 30min aerobic daily If strength training avoid spiking your eye pressure (IOP) by exhaling during exertion Inverted head positions and small swimming goggles can also spike your IOP Psychological Stress This can increase your IOP Stress management techniques like meditation can reduce IOP Sleep Obstructive sleep apnoea is a real risk factor for glaucoma - maybe discuss with your GP to exclude this Aim for 7-9 hours good sleep every night Diet and Nutrition Eat a diet rich in vit A, B, C and E, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids A daily cup of hot tea may reduce risk Coffee and alcohol even below standard guidelines may increase risk Neuroprotection There is some evidence that things like saffron, bilberry, ginkgo biloba and lutein reduce the impact of psychological stress, help microcirculation, protect against oxidative damage B vitamins like nicotinamide could provide protection to optic nerve Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405443 How can I prevent glaucoma ? This is a great question I was asked by a health conscious mate with family history of glaucoma . Physical Activity 30min aerobic daily If strength training avoid spiking your eye pressure ( IOP ) by exhaling during exertion Inverted head positions and small swimming goggles can also spike your IOP Psychological Stress This can increase your IOP Stress management techniques like meditation can reduce IOP Sleep Obstructive sleep apnoea is a real risk factor for glaucoma - maybe discuss with your GP to exclude this Aim for 7-9 hours good sleep every night Diet and Nutrition Eat a diet rich in vit A , B , C and E , antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids A daily cup of hot tea may reduce risk Coffee and alcohol even below standard guidelines may increase risk Neuroprotection There is some evidence that things like saffron , bilberry , ginkgo biloba and lutein reduce the impact of psychological stress , help microcirculation , protect against oxidative damage B vitamins like nicotinamide could provide protection to optic nerve Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405443