Some might argue that eye diseases such as glaucoma are not life threatening therefore don’t rise to the same level of concern as something like a heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, many different types of eye disease will lead to a special set of problems which will over due time diminish quality of life and possibly shorten life expectancy.

For example when loss of vision occurs a person will be less likely to read or do other mind stimulating activities (crossword puzzles etc…) which contributes to serious age related mental health diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Additionally, physical activity levels typically decline increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, weakening of the heart muscle, and immune system deterioration.

Therefore, one could easily make the case that by learning how to reduce your chances of glaucoma you are participating in a form of preventative medicine that will both improve long-term quality of life and life expectancy.

Factoids: Inhaled steroids commonly used to treat asthma appear to raise the risk of glaucoma. Oral steroids may have the same effect. Cocaine users have a 45 percent risk for glaucoma.

How to reduce your risk of glaucoma

The bad news is that research has yet to provide us with a way to prevent the development of glaucoma. However, there are a number of lifestyle, diet, and supplement suggestions commonly recommended by doctors to reduce the risk.

How to reduce your risk of glaucoma – Lifestyle

Daily exercise. An increase in intraocular pressure is a major factor in the development of glaucoma. For years it was thought that exercise actually increased IOP but new studies seem to suggest that the opposite is true.

Don’t overdo the caffeine. Research suggests that high amounts of caffeine may increase eye pressure thus increasing the risk of glaucoma.

Don’t smoke. Smoking tends to decrease circulation and increase pressure in the eye.

How to reduce your risk of glaucoma – Vitamins

While there are many vitamins and minerals which contribute to better vision there is no evidence to suggests that they prevent glaucoma, or for that matter delay its progress. On the other hand, so little research has been conducted in this area the truth is no one really knows for sure.

*Vitamins and minerals that may help with eye health are carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and lutein, antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, vitamins A, B and D, and zinc.

How to reduce your risk of glaucoma – Omega 3 Fatty Acids

While no major research has been done on glaucoma and omega 3 fatty acids. There has been research conducted on macular degeneration. The study involved 3000 people over the age of 49. The study found that those who consumed more fish high in the omega fatty acids DHA and EPA were less likely to have the disease. It is important to point out that it seems alpha-lenolenic acid (ALA) found in nuts, seeds, and flax actually increased the risk of macular degeneration. So if you are thinking about omega 3 fatty acids for eye health try to stay with high DHA/EPA sources such as cold water fatty fish and fish oil supplements.

How to reduce your risk of glaucoma – Herbs

According to the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine the two herbs that seem to stand out are bilberry and ginkgo biloba. Bilberry seems to be the more effective of the two likely due to its high concentration of flavonoid and anthocyanidin compounds. That said, ginkgo biloba extract was able to reduce intraocular pressure and improve visual field at a dosage of 160 mg per day according to a forty-six patient study.

What else? Additional suggestions on how to reduce your risk of glaucoma include maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping blood pressure at normal levels, preventing overexposure to sunlight, and regular eye exams.

Magnifiers are great because they help to enhance a person’s vision. They enable the individual to undertake detailed work or to compensate for a sight disability that decreases the individual’s ability to see clearly. Magnifiers are valuable when a person most focus on fine detail. In hobbies like model-making, stamp collecting and cross-stitch, an individual will quite often use a magnifier so they can see intricate work.

Magnifiers contain lenses that actually bend light. This increases the size of text or a smaller object, making it easier to see. To get the best focus on the task in hand, hold the magnifier near to the eye. Then bring the work up towards it until such time as optimal focus is accomplished.

When carrying out intricate tasks using a magnifier, one should work in the natural light whenever possible to avoid eye strain. Where it is difficult to have natural light, or where natural light is not adequate, utilize an adjustable light fixture. This allows light to shine directly towards the area being magnified.

Different magnifiers ought to be utilized for different responsibilities. Larger lenses are less powerful than compact lenses. Large lenses are useful when an individual would like an all-round, low-level magnification. Large lenses work well for tasks such as reading a book or performing a crossword puzzle. Where precision work is required, a small powerful lens is probably more appropriate. A good example of a smaller, powerful magnifier is a jeweler’s eyepiece.

Handheld magnifiers are easy to use and they are cheap to shop for. Some handheld magnifiers have built-in illumination, making it easier to see when the lighting is poor. These magnifiers are well suited for reading small print or while active, because they are light to transport. The disadvantage of some handheld magnifiers is that they leave the individual with only one hand available to execute tasks. This is fine in the event the individual is only holding a book, newspaper, or magazine, but it can be burdensome too.

Hands-free magnifiers are a better option for anyone with a hobby that necessitates the use of both their hands, such like sewing, knitting, or model-making. Hands-free magnifiers hang around the individual’s neck. These are good for other tasks too, as they have large lenses. This form of hands-free magnifier provides low magnification, usually only doubling the size of any object.

Bar magnifiers are made of clear plastic and are generally shaped like a cylinder that has been cut in half. These magnifiers are positioned on the page to magnify one line of text at a time. Because bar magnifiers provide a low level of magnification, they are less useful for any individual with a visual disability. They are most ideal for individuals with good vision who simply want to read small print, for instance in a telephone service.

Dome magnifiers can be great for individuals with myopia. These magnifiers sit on the page and are shaped like a round paperweight. Due to their shape, these magnifiers capture the light, making the page easier to read.

Each individual should test out a number of different magnifiers to find out which type is most effective to their level of sight and the tasks they want to carry out.