Glaucoma and healthy life

11/03/2016

Combining exercise with a Mediterranean diet helps to improve blood flow to the optic nerve, and it is beneficial for glaucoma.

How does exercising benefit glaucoma?

Exercising regularly during the week such as when "running", provides a higher content of oxygen to tissues and thus to the optic nerve.

Are there any precautions to take when doing sports?

Sports such as weightlifting or sports that take place in extreme barometric conditions such as diving and mountaineering temporarily increase intraocular pressure.

Can medication affect my athletic performance?

There are drugs for the treatment of glaucoma such as beta-blockers and alpha adrenergic drugs which may cause heart rate and lung capacity to decrease. For this reason, it is important to customize an individualised treatment plan for athletes.

How proper nutrition influences glaucoma?

A balanced and healthy diet based on cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products (Mediterranean diet) helps improve blood flow to the optic nerve, which is beneficial for glaucoma.

Vitamins and antioxidants

A moderate intake of coffee, tea, chocolate and red wine have an antioxidant effect, improving circulation to the optic nerve. The same way, a supply of magnesium and of omega-3 and omega-6fatty acids found in many fish is beneficial for patients with glaucoma.

Patients with glaucoma should introduce into their diet vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 present in meat and dairy products.

And smoking?

Smoking reduces the oxygen supply to the optic nerve and causes neurotoxicity. Quitting smoking is not easy, but anyone can do it and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Ramón Cobian Ophthalmologist