Question 1

is there anything you can do to avoid developing glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Unclear...: Research has not yet proven lifestyle changes which help reduce glaucoma risk.  There are some types of glaucoma such as neovascular which are complications of diabetes so good overall health reduces your risks.  Regular eye checkups can reduce risks from glaucoma.

Question 2

is there a way to avoid having glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Not really: Glaucoma comes from anatomical or age related changes in the eyes.  It is not common but does affect 2% of the population.  There is no dietary or physical activity you can do to prevent its onset if that is your destiny.  It is , however, quite treatable so be sure to have an examination regularly by an ophthalmologist if you have risk factors.

Question 3

what to do if i have glaucoma. what medications should i avoid using?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you have glaucoma, you will need your eye pressure controlled, either by eye drops, laser, or surgery.  And you will need regular follow-ups, to ensure that your pressure is indeed controlled and that your glaucoma is stable.
There is a specific type of glaucoma called Narrow Angle Glaucoma that may require certain medications to be avoided.
See your eye MD for your specific type of glaucoma.

Question 4

i have open angle glaucoma i have a fresh herb garden was told to be careful on herbs i use. can you give me a list of herbs to avoid using. thank you?

Accepted Answer

No problems: While the actual effects of most herbs is dubious, none that I am aware of will have an effect one way or the other on glaucoma.  If you are in active treatment with the pressure normalized, and you feel herbs are useful in other regards, then you can use them.  You might consider saving that money to make sure you can pay for your anti-glaucoma medication.

Question 5

narrow angle no glaucoma ,new ophtamologist says i can take all medication(otc/rx) without any worry ,seen differents md before because had move out of country,was always told to avoid medication that can dilate pupil ,what is the risk if take meds?

Accepted Answer

: Your question is not entirely understandable. Medications that dilate the pupil can precipitate acute glaucoma in a person with a narrow angle. It would be prudent to seek guidance from your ophthalmologist who knows your eye health better.
Wish you good health!

Question 6

opthamlgist saw thinning optic nerve in l eye. didn't know what q's to ask at the time. progressive?what can i do to avoid glaucoma? please educate me

Accepted Answer

Depends: Glaucoma is a spectrum of pressure higher than the eye can tolerate, thinner corneas, susceptible discs and visual field losses.  This is a bit complex to sort out yourself but there is plenty on the internet.  You cannot change your anatomy but should be checked frequently and it seems as if you have made step #1.  Continue with your ophthalmologist.

Question 7

using travatan for glaucoma in 1 eye.  is it alright to treat other eye without glaucoma to avoid possibility of having 2 different eye colors?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Travatan is in a class of eye drops that can occasionally darken the iris color.  Many glaucoma with a genetic component are bilateral and asymmetric. So in those cases it is reasonable to treat both. But with your ophthalmologist's approval.   If its a truly unilateral glaucoma, a different medicine can be considered.

Question 8

about to have routine eye exam. should i avoid smoking pot the morning before the exam? will it hide glaucoma? dr zimon please do not answer this q!

Accepted Answer

Unlikely effect: Only about 30% of those who smoke pot will have a lowering of eye pressure.  At your age, glaucoma is very uncommon.  There are other clues to glaucoma aside from eye pressure and if your pressure were to be too high in between the puffs of pot, then these would add information.  To be safe, you should avoid the pot but if you must smoke, then it probably will not affect the results.

Question 9

58-year old recently diagnosed w/glaucoma, 30% nerve damage & some peripheral vision loss. what is long term prognosis? can surgery be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Good & usually: Acceptable iop control with careful monitoring and testing is quite successful in preventing functional  vision loss in 85% or more of patients. I think it is also reassuring that if medical treatment fails to stabilize your glaucoma, that there are excellent procedures that can have great  outcomes. Laser treatment would likely be first on the list with incisional surgery later. Surg. Gen not req.

Question 10

glaucoma in family. my mother has had problems controlling eye pressure w/drops & laser. is there anything that i can do to avoid same result?

Accepted Answer

Get checked: Glaucoma is not necessarily genetic. But it will be wise to be evaluated by a ophthalmologist once a year.

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Doctor answers about:

Avoid developing glaucoma

A member asked:

Is there anything you can do to avoid developing glaucoma?

A member asked:

Is there a way to avoid having glaucoma?

A member asked:

What to do if i have glaucoma. what medications should i avoid using?

A member asked:

I have open angle glaucoma i have a fresh herb garden was told to be careful on herbs i use. can you give me a list of herbs to avoid using. thank you?

A member asked:

Narrow angle no glaucoma ,new ophtamologist says i can take all medication(otc/rx) without any worry ,seen differents md before because had move out of country,was always told to avoid medication that can dilate pupil ,what is the risk if take meds?

A member asked:

Opthamlgist saw thinning optic nerve in l eye. didn't know what q's to ask at the time. progressive?what can i do to avoid glaucoma? please educate me

A member asked:

Using travatan for glaucoma in 1 eye. is it alright to treat other eye without glaucoma to avoid possibility of having 2 different eye colors?

A member asked:

About to have routine eye exam. should i avoid smoking pot the morning before the exam? will it hide glaucoma? dr zimon please do not answer this q!

A member asked:

58-year old recently diagnosed w/glaucoma, 30% nerve damage & some peripheral vision loss. what is long term prognosis? can surgery be avoided?

A member asked:

Glaucoma in family. my mother has had problems controlling eye pressure w/drops & laser. is there anything that i can do to avoid same result?

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