If you have glaucoma and/or elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), here are a few tips that may help lower your IOP. These tips are taken from What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Glaucoma by Gregory K. Harmon, MD with Nancy Intrator.

1. Stop smoking! Smoking is known to elevate intraocular pressure.
2. Get some aerobic exercise. Some studies show that regular aerobic exercise (30 minutes at least four days per week) can reduce IOP by an average of 20%!
3. Don’t drink large quantities of fluids too quickly. Doing so can cause a temporary rise in IOP. Drink only a few ounces at a time.
4. Eat a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and keep your weight at a healthy level.
5. Avoid activities like scuba diving and yoga positions that involve standing on the head, since they can raise IOP.
6. Get lots of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Chromium in your diet. All have shown promise in glaucoma patients.
7. Follow your doctor’s orders exactly!

Categories: Health