Undeniably, getting a glaucoma diagnosis and facing a new reality can be scary. While you may have to make lifestyle adjustments, the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) assures that you can still live a full life with the disease and offers some invaluable, practical tips.*

Managing glaucoma day-to-day

GRF offers a number of actions glaucoma patients and their caregivers can take to prevent or slow disease progression.

• Most important is adhering to your prescribed medication(s). Take them on time, and set a daily alarm if you have to. Let your doctor know if you’re having any problems with timing, dosage, and/or administration so adjustments can be made.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle to support overall health. Ask your doctor for exercise guidelines, as some exercises can increase eye pressure and cause further damage to the optic nerve. A diet low in sodium and bad fats, combined with not smoking, can also benefit eye health.

• Continue to gain disease knowledge. “The better informed you are of your condition, the easier it will be to manage,” writes GRF. Also be sure to inform your doctor of any side effects of your medication, as alternatives may be available.

• Remember that you’re not alone, and support is within a keystroke. Besides family and friends, online and in-person support groups are available for connecting with other people who have lived experience with glaucoma and can provide emotional comfort.

• Lean on your eye care team. Keep your appointments and regular checkups. Be sure to update your provider with any information that can help them assess your progress, tweak your treatment plan, and connect you with further resources. Low-vision therapy, for example, can help you make home and work adjustments for better daily functioning.

Staying safe with glaucoma

In addition to the important actions above, there are other measures you can take to help you adjust and stay safe. GRF encourages asking loved ones for assistance in adjusting your home environment, such as:

• Keeping high-traffic and work areas in the home free of area rugs and other tripping or slipping hazards. 
• Installing extra lighting in dark areas (entryways, closets, hallways, etc.).
• Reducing risk of falling by marking stairway handrails and treads with contrasting paint or tape.
• Reducing head injury risk by making sure cabinets, particularly those near head level, are always shut and doors are always either closed or fully opened.

Other precautions you can take include using a flashlight when outside at night, and extending your hand one foot in front of your face before bending down, to be sure you don’t hit your head on an unseen object.

Government assistance

Federal resources may be available for qualified people with glaucoma, such as financial assistance for eye care services or treatments.

Medicare

Medicare is for people 65 years of age and older who receive Social Security benefits. Coverage for prescription drugs is available. You must meet certain eligibility requirements to obtain Medicare benefits. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare to learn more or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

Medicaid

Medicaid is for people with low income and is administered by state agencies. States have different requirements and benefits. Application is through a state’s Medicaid Assistance program or Department of Human Services. Visit https://www.medicaid.gov to learn more, or call  1-877-267-2323.

Social Security

Social Security provides income for retired people, disabled people, and others who contributed to the program while employed. Notably, the program also provides financial assistance to legally blind people and those with vision issues who cannot work. Visit https://www.ssa.gov to learn more or call 1-800-772-1213.

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)

Veterans who qualify for health coverage have access to the VA’s eye care services. Visit https://www.va.gov/health-care or call 1-877-222- 8387 (VETS) to learn more about the VA’s specific eligibility requirements.

Modern advantage

In the day of Greek physician Hippocrates, who wrote about what we now regard as glaucoma, blindness would most likely result from the chronic condition. With today’s disease knowledge and therapeutic options, however, GRF says blindness isn’t an outcome in the majority of cases. Though there’s no cure at this time, people with glaucoma often live normal, active lives, especially with early detection and regular treatment.

*Schuster, B. L. (2021, December 6). Life with Glaucoma (A Guide for Patients and Their Loved Ones). Glaucoma Research Foundation. https://glaucoma.org/life-with-glaucoma