Glaucoma: Nutritional Considerations

High blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors for elevated intraocular pressure. A diet that helps maintain normal blood pressure and blood glucose concentrations may help reduce the risk for this disease, although no controlled trials have demonstrated the ability of diet to prevent or treat glaucoma (see Hypertension and Diabetes).

Orders

See Basic Diet Orders.

Ophthalmology consultation.

What to Tell the Family

It is essential for the patient to have regular ophthalmologic examinations, since affected individuals cannot assess treatment efficacy on their own. Significant optic nerve damage can occur prior to any symptoms. Failure to use glaucoma medications as prescribed can result in severe visual damage. Family members should also be screened for glaucoma by an ophthalmologist.