Healthy Living With Glaucoma
For people with glaucoma or at risk of developing it, a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet is especially important. In addition to benefiting overall physical and mental well-being, exercise and nutrition promote eye health. Maintaining mental and emotional health is also important.
Recipes
Eat a Varied and Healthy Diet
Turkey Egg Breakfast Bake
This protein-packed breakfast is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey and support brain health. It features kale, which is linked to healthy brain function and contains the nutrients vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta-carotene.
Roasted Root Vegetables
This crowd-pleasing dish is as good for your eyes as it is for your table. Mix and match your favorite root vegetables—carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips—for a colorful caramelized dish that’s ready in under an hour.
Creamy Broccoli Soup
Enjoy this cozy broccoli soup loaded with eye-friendly lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that protect the macula and help slow vision loss.
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
This creamy pumpkin spice chia pudding takes just minutes to prepare and is full of eye-friendly nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Cranberry Pear Crisp
Cranberries and pears combine to create a dessert packed with vitamin C and anthocyanins—antioxidants that support long-term vision health.
Baked Spinach & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites
Start your day with these colorful egg bites featuring spinach and roasted red peppers.
Simple Salmon and Asparagus
This simple salmon and asparagus recipe brings together fresh ingredients and powerful nutrition in one easy sheet pan meal.
Mango Overnight Oats
These creamy overnight oats make a quick, nutritious breakfast. Packed with whole grains, protein, and fruit, they’re perfect for busy mornings.
Easy Blender Hummus
A smooth and creamy homemade hummus made in the blender with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon, perfect for dipping pita and fresh vegetables.
Healthy Diet Choices
Carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, are found in dark green, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables
- broccoli
- brussels
- collard greens
- egg yolks
- green beans
- green peppers
- kale
- lima beans
- mango
- okra
- orange peppers
- spinach
- squash
- sweet potatoes
- yellow corn
Sources of Vitamin C
- broccoli
- cantaloupe
- citrus fruits
- green peppers
- leafy greens
- tomatoes
- strawberries
- sweet potatoes
- tomatoes
- white potatoes
Sources of Vitamin E
- eggs
- fortified cereals
- fruit
- leafy greens
- nuts/nut oils
- vegetable oils
- wheat germ
- whole grains
Sources of Vitamin A
- carrots
- egg yolks
- liver
- mangoes
- milk
- sweet potatoes
Sources of Vitamin D
- cereal
- cod liver oil “oily” fish
- egg yolks
- fortified milk
Sources of Zinc
- beans
- certain seafood
- dairy
- fortified cereals
- nuts
- oysters
- poultry
- red meat
Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- flaxseed oil
- sardines
- walnuts
- wild salmon
More Tips for Healthy Living
Limit caffeine intake.
Some evidence suggests that high amounts of caffeine may increase eye pressure.
Exercise daily.
Some studies indicate that exercise can lower eye pressure. Aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or even working in the yard are recommended.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Keep blood pressure at a normal level and control other medical conditions.
Don't Smoke.
Smoking increases blood pressure and inflammation in the eye, which leads to an increased chance of cataracts and diabetes. Both cataracts and diabetes are risk factors for glaucoma. Smoking also increases the risk of macular degeneration and other eye conditions.
Prevent overexposure to sunlight.
Wear wide-brimmed hats and high-quality sunglasses that have 99- to 100-percent UVA and UVB protection.
Visit an Eye Doctor Regularly.
See an eye doctor for a comprehensive, dilated eye exam regularly to identify early signs of glaucoma or other vision diseases. If you have glaucoma, make follow-up visits as recommended.
Resources & Information
Downloadable Resource
The Top Five Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor
Preparing ahead of time can help you best manage your vision health. Here are some questions you can take along when you visit the eye doctor.
Expert Information
Diet, Exercise, and Other Habits That May Help Reduce Glaucoma Risk
A healthy lifestyle can benefit more than just your heart — it may help protect your vision, too. Learn what the latest research says about diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management in glaucoma care.
Expert Information
3 Subtle Signs Your Glaucoma May Be Getting Worse
In between doctor visits, you are the best advocate for detecting changes to your glaucoma. Discover the key symptoms to watch for and how early action can help protect your vision.
Glaucoma Chats
Can Non-Drug Interventions Reduce Glaucoma Risk?
Can lifestyle changes help reduce glaucoma risk? Join us as glaucoma specialist Jullia A. Rosdahl, MD, PhD, discusses how diet, exercise, sleep, and other non-drug interventions may impact eye pressure and overall eye health. Learn about the latest research on nutrition, supplements, and daily habits that could support vision preservation.
Glaucoma Chats
Gathering Support For Your Glaucoma Diagnosis
Join Dr. Lawrence S. Geyman as he outlines effective ways to find support for your glaucoma diagnosis.
Glaucoma Chats
Glaucoma 101: Exploring the Science Behind This Sight-Stealing Disease
Listen to Dr. Qi N. Cui as she explains the science behind glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss.
Glaucoma Chats
Childhood Glaucoma
Learn about the different types of childhood glaucoma, including primary congenital, infantile, and juvenile glaucoma.
Glaucoma Chats
Cataracts and Glaucoma: What You Should Know in 2024
In this Glaucoma Chat episode we discussed the complex relationship between cataracts and glaucoma.
Expert Information
Ask An Expert: How Do I Know If I Have Glaucoma?
Protecting your eyes is one of the main actions you can take to prioritize your health as you age.