Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, is a leading cause of blindness, particularly among the elderly. In the United States alone, over 3 million people live with glaucoma, with this number expected to rise as the population ages. Globally, it affects around 76 million people, making it a significant public health concern. Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial to preventing severe vision loss. Here are a few things you can do. 

Visual Rehabilitation

Visual rehabilitation can play a critical role in helping those with glaucoma adjust to vision changes. This includes:

• Consulting with Your Eye Doctor: Discuss the limitations caused by your vision loss. Your doctor can recommend optical devices like magnifiers or refer you to a vision rehabilitation center.
• Low-Vision Aids: Utilize devices such as special magnifiers and screen readers to assist with daily activities.
• Training and Support: Work with a low-vision therapist to adapt your home and workplace, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Technology and Tools

Modern technology offers several tools to aid those with glaucoma:

• Portable Tonometers: These devices allow individuals to measure their eye pressure at home, providing critical data for managing their condition. Training from a healthcare professional is necessary to use these devices correctly.

• Screen-Reader Software: Programs like JAWS or NVDA read aloud the text displayed on a screen, making it easier for those with low vision to navigate computers and smartphones.

Enhancing Other Senses

Adapting to vision loss involves relying more on other senses:

• Hearing: Improving listening skills can be invaluable. Audiobooks, podcasts, and screen-readers are excellent tools to stay informed and entertained.
• Touch: Learn to identify objects by their texture. This can help in daily activities like selecting clothing or navigating spaces using a cane or walker.

Daily Living Tips

Practical adjustments can make a significant difference:

• Labeling: Use tactile or large print labels for everyday items.
• Organization: Keep items in designated places to avoid confusion and make them easier to find.
• Lighting: Ensure your living spaces are well-lit, reducing the risk of accidents.

Support Systems

Emotional and social support is crucial:

• Support Groups: Join glaucoma support groups in your area to share experiences and gain insights from others facing similar challenges.
• The Glaucoma Community: If you haven’t already, sign up for The Glaucoma Community, a free platform and app offering peer support and reliable educational resources.
• Professional Counseling: Consider talking to a counselor or therapist to cope with the emotional impact of vision loss. 

Protecting Your Eyes

Protecting your remaining vision is essential:

• UV Protection: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.

Resources and Organizations

Several organizations offer resources and support for those with glaucoma:

• BrightFocus Foundation: Provides comprehensive information on living with glaucoma, research updates, and support services.
• American Foundation for the Blind: Offers resources and advocacy for individuals with visual impairments.
• National Eye Institute: A source of educational materials and updates on the latest glaucoma research.
• Prevent Blindness: A non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight through public health programs and advocacy.
• The Glaucoma Foundation: An organization dedicated to developing a cure for glaucoma through innovative research, collaboration and education.

Living with glaucoma presents unique challenges, but with the right resources and support, you can maintain a high quality of life. Remember, early diagnosis and proactive management are key to preserving vision and independence. 

Responsum Health closely vets all sources to ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, or procedure discussed within

Source: https://www.brightfocus.org/glaucoma/resources/living-with-glaucoma