Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an umbrella term for eye diseases that make pressure build up inside your eyeball, which can damage delicate, critical parts at the back of your eye. Most of these diseases are progressive, which means they gradually get worse. As they do, they can eventually cause permanent vision loss and blindness. In fact, glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide.

Learning that you have glaucoma or that you’re at risk for it can be hard to process. For most people, vision is the sense they rely on most in their daily routine. It can feel scary to imagine trying to adapt to and live your life after you have severe vision loss. But most forms of glaucoma are treatable, especially when diagnosed early. And with care and careful management, it’s possible to delay — or even prevent — permanent vision loss.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.