Glaucoma is a relatively common condition that is caused when there is too little space for fluid within the eye to flow freely which results in the build up of internal pressure. This pressure if left unrelieved can caused blurred vision, problems with eyesight and in very serious and completely untreated cases can result in blindness. Although there is no absolute cure for glaucoma, there are measures that can be taken to prevent it from worsening. This article provides everything you need to know about glaucoma and how to treat it.

You've heard the saying "prevention is better than cure" and never is this more true than when referring to glaucoma. Good eye care should be an important component of our overall health care regime with the correct foods eaten, eye exercise carried out and regular check ups made. To begin on the path to good eyesight, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary and processed food as much as possible and drink plenty of water. Overall exercise is also important as a healthy body will result in healthy eyes. A few eye exercises carried out each week can be beneficial too, especially if you are staring at a computer screen for many hours each week. Slowly rotate your eyes clockwise and then anti-clockwise, as if you were looking at a clock in front of you. Do this a couple of times each day if possible at regular intervals.

Make sure regular check ups or eye screenings are made at your local opticians. This will seek out any problems straight away. With all health problems, early diagnosis is key to a successful result so at least once per year, have an eye check up. If there is something developing such as glaucoma or cataracts then you will likely be prescribed some eye drops or other medication which will help prevent the condition from worsening.

If you have a serious case of glaucoma or your optician has discovered that eye drops have done nothing to help then it may be appropriate to undergo laser eye surgery. Although this sounds like a very serious procedure, it is very quick, painless and leaves instant results. It is a most effective form of eye treatment and can be carried out for a multitude of conditions and diseases of the eye. Glaucoma is just one such problem that can be helped with laser eye surgery. The lasers work to relieve the pressure in the eye by widening the constricted space that normally allows fluid to pass through more freely. This prevents the condition from getting worse, although it cannot restore any eyesight that has already been lost.

You optician or local eye doctor can explain the procedure to you and will let you know if you are a suitable candidate. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and many patients can be back at work just a day or two later. There may be some mild discomfort immediately following the surgery when your eye needs to readjust and the anesthetics will be wearing off. Otherwise there is very little pain or discomfort.

If you take care of your overall health then eye problems will become less likely later on in life. Regular checks up with your eye doctors are imperative however to ensure there are no problems developing. Glaucoma treatment in the form of eye laser treatment is very effective at stopping the condition in its tracks so if caught early enough there should be no sight lost. If you have been suffering from deteriorating eyesight over the years then you should talk to an eye doctor as soon as possible to find out what treatments are available and whether laser eye surgery will be effective.