World Glaucoma Week - Vision Works

The digital age has brought a truly immersive experience when it comes to accessing information and gaining new insights. Everything we ever wanted to know is at our fingertips, yet, when it comes to our eye health, we often skip routine eye checkups and pretend that everything is 100%.

With World Glaucoma Awareness Week from the 12th to the 18th of March, it’s vital to know the importance of regular eye checkups, what glaucoma is and what lifestyle adjustments you can make to ensure your eye health is optimised.

It is critical to maintain this delicate balance of fluid, otherwise, the optic nerve will become damaged leading to complications in other parts of our eyes, which can ultimately lead to vision loss.
It’s important to ensure that you have regular eye tests and receive assistance from partners like Vision Works. Their knowledge and expertise can support you and your loved ones no matter the results.

Our Smart™ Technology Comprehensive + Eye Test is thorough and will pick up any changes in your vision and indicate if there are areas of concern.

According to The International Agency for Prevention of Blindness, “1 in 25 People over 40 years old have glaucoma in Africa”.

When it comes to lifestyle, there is a strong link between diabetes and glaucoma. People with diabetes are more predisposed to develop diabetic retinopathy. This is the formation of unusual blood vessels that emerge from the retina, obstructing the fluid drainage from the eye.

So, are there any solutions that are simple and effective in terms of preventative measures?
There is currently no cure for glaucoma, but it can be managed and treated to slow its progression and prevent vision loss. Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk of developing glaucoma or slow its progression:

1.

Regular eye exams: Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma early and allow for prompt treatment to slow its progression.

2.

Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure through a balanced diet, regular exercise and, if necessary, medication can help lower your risk.

3.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help lower your risk.

4.

Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can improve blood flow to the eyes and help lower the risk of developing glaucoma.

5.

Stop smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for many health problems, including glaucoma.
Quitting smoking can lower your risk of developing glaucoma and many other health problems.

6.

Eat healthy: A diet high in fruits and vegetables, but reducing sugar intake, can help lower the risk of developing glaucoma.

7.

Protect your eyes: Wearing protective eyewear during activities that may cause eye injury, such as playing sports or using power tools, can help prevent eye injury and lower the risk of developing glaucoma.