Health Tips for November 26

Health Tip: Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye from excess fluid. Early detection and treatment can preserve eyesight, but there is no cure for the disease once it has progressed.

Here is important information about glaucoma, courtesy of the American Foundation for the Blind:

* Glaucoma can trigger loss of peripheral vision, which impairs the ability to move about safely and independently.
* Among blacks, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.
* Glaucoma can make reading difficult, by limiting vision so that only one word can be read at a time.
* If undiagnosed or untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the eye.
* Regular eye exams are important for detection and early treatment. Testing should begin as early as age 35.
* Glaucoma rarely triggers symptoms in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Health Tip: Preventing Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be triggered by aging, eyestrain, exposure to sun, wind or smoke, or injury.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help soothe dry eyes:

* Use artificial tears, or other moisturizing eye drops or ointments.
* Avoid smoking, and exposure to secondhand smoke.
* Avoid direct exposure to wind or air conditioning.
* Use a humidifier in your home, particularly during the dry winter months.
* Rest your eyes, and blink often.