Glaucoma Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2009.
Answers to questions about glaucoma
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Why should I register as blind or partially sighted?
- Does it help to follow a particular diet?
- What if I forget to put in my eye drops?
Why should I register as blind or partially sighted?
If you have glaucoma, registering as blind or partially sighted if you're eligible to do so can make it easier to get practical help. It may also mean you can get financial benefits.
Explanation
If your glaucoma has reached a stage where your vision has been severely affected, you may be eligible to register with your local council as blind or partially sighted. You don't have to register but doing so can help you to get any support you need.
It's important to realise that being registered doesn't mean you have lost or will lose your sight completely. It just records that your level of vision is such that you may require assistance in certain areas and allows you to access these facilities more readily.
To find out whether you're eligible for registration, you will need to see an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specialises in eye health, including eye surgery). He or she will assess you by carrying out some eye tests, and if necessary, give you a certificate of vision impairment. With your agreement, this will be sent to your local social services or social work department. Eye clinics in many hospitals offer the opportunity to discuss things further with a liaison officer who is trained to provide advice and support for people with visual impairment.
Once they have received your certificate of visual impairment, your social services department will contact you to find out what help you may need. They may be able to offer you services such as:
- practical help in your home
- carrying out modifications to your home
- using leisure/education facilities, including arranging transport
- getting meals in your home or elsewhere - for example, at a day centre
The amount of support that is available varies so ask your local council for more information.
Further information
Royal National Institute of Blind People
0303 123 9999
www.rnib.org.uk
Sources
- Understanding glaucoma. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists. www.rcophth.ac.uk, accessed 4 June 2009
- Your rights. Royal National Institute of Blind People. www.rnib.org.uk, accessed 5 June 2009
Does it help to follow a particular diet?
No, there's no evidence that following a particular diet helps to treat or prevent glaucoma.
Explanation
Many claims have been made about following different diets and taking various supplements to treat glaucoma. However, there is little, if any, scientific evidence to back up these claims.
Aim to eat a balanced diet that's low in saturated fat, sugar and salt and high in fibre, vegetables and fruit.
It's best not to drink large volumes of fluid in a short period of time, as this can temporarily raise pressure in your eye.
Further information
International Glaucoma Association
01233 648170
www.glaucoma-association.com
Sources
- About glaucoma. International Glaucoma Association. www.glaucoma-association.com, accessed 4 June 2009
- Glaucoma Annual Evidence Update: 24-30 November 2008: Epidemiology. NHS Evidence. www.library.nhs.uk, accessed 5 June 20098
- Glossary: diet. International Glaucoma Association. www.glaucoma-association.com, accessed 5 June 2009
What if I forget to put in my eye drops?
If you forget a dose, put in your eye drops as soon as you remember.
Explanation
It isn't a problem if you forget to use your eye drops on the odd occasion. However, it's important to get into a routine of using your eye drops at around the same time every day to help you remember.
Try using a chart with tick boxes to keep a check on whether you have taken your eye drops every day. You could also set a timer to ring at a particular time to remind you when you need to put them in.
Using your drops regularly, as advised by your doctor, offers the best protection against glaucoma and will prevent it getting worse.
Further information
International Glaucoma Association
01233 648170
www.glaucoma-association.com
Royal National Institute of Blind People
0303 123 9999
www.rnib.org.uk
Sources
- Glaucoma: diagnosis and management of chronic open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), April 2009. www.nice.org.uk
- About glaucoma. International Glaucoma Association. www.glaucoma-association.com, accessed 4 June 2009
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2009
Glaucoma factsheet
Visit the glaucoma health factsheet for more information.
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