Take Care of Your Vision
As a glaucoma patient, you should first understand how important it is to keep all of your appointments with your eye healthcare provider. Every appointment with your glaucoma healthcare provider gives him or her valuable information on how to effectively treat your glaucoma. Frequent appointments may seem insignificant to you, but they are extremely significant for your vision. Your healthcare provider may ask you to return weekly or monthly until the glaucoma is under control.
Understand Your Condition
For people with glaucoma, it is often difficult to accept the diagnosis, because most types of glaucoma progress very slowly, often without symptoms. Educate yourself as much as possible about the disease. The better informed you are of your condition, the easier it will be to manage. If you come across something you don’t understand, write it down. Healthcare providers welcome patients with questions. They are usually eager to listen to any concerns you may have. If a medication is causing unwanted side effects, let your healthcare provider know. There may be many alternatives.
Manage Your Medications
Take your medications exactly as prescribed. Schedule your medications around daily activities, such as brushing your teeth or around mealtimes, so that it becomes a habitual part of your life. Missed doses of your glaucoma medications could elevate your eye pressure and worsen your glaucoma. In addition, be sure to let your healthcare provider know about any other eye drops or oral medications you begin taking, since some medications should not be taken together.
Reach Out for Support
Remember that you are not alone. Find ways to talk to others about your condition. A medical diagnosis can be emotionally disturbing, especially a diagnosis of a chronic medical problem that may require a lifetime of treatment. Talking about your condition with family members, friends, church members, or support groups can make a tremendous difference in your emotional health. You are also join other glaucoma patients, families, and friends online in the support groups listed at glaucoma.org.
A Word From Verywell
If you feel that your glaucoma is becoming more severe, pay attention to your instincts. Certain activities, such as driving or playing sports, may become more challenging for you as time goes by. Loss of contrast sensitivity, problems with glare, and light sensitivity are some of the possible effects of glaucoma that may interfere with some activities such as driving at night. If you find it difficult to see at night, consider changing your driving habits or letting your spouse or friends do the driving. Putting your personal safety first may require you to rearrange your daily schedule. However, keep in mind that it will be worth it for your own safety and the safety of others.
