Glaucoma Surgery Aftercare Tips | Lifestyle & Diet Care

Glaucoma Surgery Aftercare Tips | Lifestyle & Diet Care

Dec 07, 2022

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common disease in which fluid builds up inside the eye. This fluid, called aqueous humor, usually drains out of the eye through a mesh-like channel, but sometimes the channel is blocked, which causes the liquid to back up. The resulting pressure can be dangerous for the eye, and the pressure may cause vision loss. If you have an eye condition, your glaucoma doctor near you may recommend medication or surgery to relieve the pressure.

Glaucoma surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. The type of glaucoma surgery you have will determine how long the surgery takes and your recovery.

Most glaucoma surgeries take 30 minutes or less. You’ll be given anesthesia to keep you from feeling any pain during the surgery.

You can expect some discomfort and side effects after glaucoma surgery. These include:

  • Eye pain
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swelling and bruising around the eye
  • Headache

You can help reduce them by applying ice packs to your eyes and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

Aftercare Tips For Glaucoma

After the surgery, your glaucoma specialist in Glendale, CA, will give instructions on how to care for your eyes.

  • Taking the medication on time

To ensure that the medication is taken on time, you should monitor the eyes for side effects. Most medicines will have side effects that may affect vision, eye comfort, and other body parts. If these side effects persist, your doctor may change your medication.

  • Avoid strenuous activities

Avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks after glaucoma surgery. This may increase the risk of the inflammation that could lead to incisional surgery. Therefore, taking the medication on time and to the prescribed amount is critical. This way, you will reduce your risk of a future disease flare-up.

  • Avoiding touching your eyes

It is important to avoid touching your eyes during and after glaucoma treatment. This will reduce the risk of infection. If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, you should use a tissue instead of touching them. You can also apply moisturizing drops on your eyes to decrease the itchiness. In addition, you should wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.

Make sure to follow the daily drops as instructed by your glaucoma consultant in Glendale. It may help to use a chart or an app that helps you remember to apply your drops. Also, clean your hands before touching your eyes to avoid catching an infection.

  • Avoiding caffeine

Caffeine can worsen symptoms of glaucoma and can increase the risk of the disease. Caffeine intake increases pressure in the eye and damages the optic nerve. This, in turn, leads to vision problems.

Avoid engaging in activities that increase eye pressure. In addition to lowering intraocular pressure, avoiding caffeine aftercare for glaucoma is critical to treating this disease. Optometrists may prescribe prescription eye drops or oral medications to lower intraocular pressure. They may also recommend conventional surgery or laser eye surgery. Caffeine can increase intraocular pressure because it increases the production of eye fluid, known as aqueous humor.

  • Eating a healthy diet.

A healthy diet is vital for overall health, but it can also help to reduce the risks associated with glaucoma. Foods high in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables) can help protect the eyes from damage. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and flush out toxins. Avoid processed foods, foods high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, sugary drinks, and excessive salt.

  • Avoid smoking

Avoiding smoking because tobacco increases the risks associated with glaucoma and can cause further damage to the eyes.

  • Getting regular exercise

Exercise can help to lower eye pressure and improve blood circulation to the eyes. This can help to reduce the risks associated with glaucoma.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Glendale Eye Medical Group for more information about glaucoma and how you can treat it.

818-956-1010 Book Now
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