Lo que usted puede hacer para controlar su glaucoma

Cumplir con las indicaciones de sus medicamentos para el glaucoma junto con sus otras actividades programadas y responsabilidades puede representar un desafío.

Sticking to your glaucoma medication orders along with your other scheduled activities and responsibilities can be challenging.

By educating yourself, making healthy choices, and staying organized, you can establish a health routine that works for you. We hope that the following tips are helpful to you in managing your glaucoma.

Know your medications

• Tell everyone on your healthcare team, including your primary care doctor and other specialists, that you have glaucoma and the medications you are taking. This will help them prescribe treatments that do not interfere with your glaucoma medications. Be especially careful when using medications that contain cortisone.
• Some medications may cause side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience once you start taking the medication. The intensity of the side effects may mean that you need a different type of medication.
• Tell your doctor if, for any reason, your medications are not working for you, or if your daily routine has changed. Your doctor may be able to solve these problems by changing the type of medications or the times you take them.
• Report any changes to your doctor, especially eye irritation, watery eyes, blurred or rough vision, unusual discharge at the corner of the eye, temporary cloudy vision, or rainbows around lights at night.

Medication Tips

• Make your medications part of your daily routine. For example, you can take them when you wake up, with meals, and/or at bedtime. Use your alarm clock or phone as a reminder to take your medications.
• If you forget to take your prescribed medications, take them when you remember and then go back to your regular schedule.
• Get an extra supply of medicine in case you lose a bottle of eye drops or tablets. Carry an extra prescription when traveling away from home.

Be organized

• Keep a record of each of the medications you are taking. Write down the name, the dose, and the number of times you should take it per day. Keep it in your bag or purse. This reminder can help you remember how often to use your medications.
• Schedule your next checkup before you leave the doctor’s office, and mark the appointment on your calendar.
• Get checked before going on an extended trip or starting a demanding long-term project.
• Write down any questions you have about your eyes, vision, or medications before you see the doctor. Bring the list of questions to each checkup and take note of the doctor’s answers.

Stay healthy

• Try to keep your eyes clean and free of substances that cause irritation. Women should be careful with eye cosmetics, use non-allergenic brands and replace them frequently.
• Do not rub your eyes, although some glaucoma medications may cause itching or blurred vision.
• Wear swimming goggles when swimming, as well as goggles when gardening or playing contact sports.
• Take care of the rest of the body. Maintaining good general health is as important as taking care of your eyes.
• It is important to eat healthy foods, get enough exercise, not smoke, not have too much caffeine, and maintain a healthy weight. Before starting a strenuous exercise program, consult your doctor.
• Space out fluid consumption and reduce salt consumption. This will help prevent fluid retention.
• Reduce everyday stress in your life. Make sure you have time to have fun and relax.