Is Cheese Bad for Your Eyes if You Have Glaucoma? Nutrition Tips

Is Cheese Bad for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. It is often associated with increased pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma: Occurs when the eye's drainage angle is open, but the drainage canal becomes clogged over time.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Occurs when the drainage angle is too narrow or closes completely.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type in the United States. There are no symptoms at first and vision loss starts with peripheral vision and can progress without treatment. Eye exams are important to diagnose glaucoma early before vision loss begins.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma:

• Age over 60 years old
• Family history of glaucoma
• High eye pressure
• Farsightedness or nearsightedness
• Past eye injury or trauma
• Diabetes
• Migraines
• Use of corticosteroid medications

Treatment for Glaucoma

There is no cure for glaucoma, but treatment aims to lower eye pressure and slow the progression of damage to the optic nerve. This can help preserve vision. Treatment options may include:

• Eye drops to lower eye pressure
• Oral medications
• Laser or surgery procedures

In addition to medications and procedures, lifestyle and dietary factors may play a role in managing glaucoma.

Does Cheese Affect Glaucoma?

There is limited research specifically looking at whether cheese is good or bad for glaucoma. Here is an overview of what we know:

Tyramine Levels in Cheese

Some types of cheese contain varying levels of tyramine. Tyramine is an amino acid that can raise blood pressure. Aged, fermented, and strong cheeses tend to be higher in tyramine.

Examples of high-tyramine cheeses include:

• Aged cheddar
• Blue cheese
• Gouda
• Parmesan
• Swiss

Fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and cottage cheese are generally lower in tyramine.

Some research indicates that increased tyramine intake and spikes in blood pressure may be linked to glaucoma progression. So it is reasonable to minimize very high tyramine cheeses, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Vitamin A Levels in Cheese

Many cheeses are high in vitamin A. In particular, aged hard cheeses tend to have higher levels of preformed vitamin A.

Preformed vitamin A may benefit eye health, unlike provitamin A carotenoids which increase risk of lung cancer in smokers.

The vitamin A in cheese may support eye health. But very high doses can be toxic, so moderation is key.

Fat Content of Cheese

Cheese is high in fat, especially saturated fat. Some research indicates that diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol may negatively impact glaucoma.

Saturated fat intake raises cholesterol levels for some people. High cholesterol is linked to increased glaucoma risk. So minimizing intake of high-fat cheeses may be prudent.

Sodium Levels in Cheese

Most cheeses, particularly aged varieties, are high in sodium. Diets high in sodium can contribute to high blood pressure.

Since hypertension is a major risk factor for glaucoma, limiting sodium intake from cheeses and other sources may be beneficial.

Best and Worst Cheeses for Glaucoma

Based on the nutrition profile, here are some cheeses that may be better or worse choices for people with glaucoma:

Best Cheese Choices

• Low-fat or part-skim mozzarella
• Part-skim ricotta
• Reduced-fat feta
• Low-sodium cottage cheese
• Goat cheese
• Parmesan (in moderation)

Cheeses to Limit

• Blue cheese
• Aged cheddar
• Brie
• Gouda
• Swiss
• Gruyere

Tips for Incorporating Cheese into a Glaucoma Diet

You do not necessarily need to completely avoid cheese if you have glaucoma. But it is important to be mindful of your choices and portions. Here are some tips:

• Opt for low-fat versions when possible
• Limit portion size to 1-2 oz
• Enjoy stronger cheeses infrequently
• Avoid combining multiple high-tyramine foods
• Select low-sodium cheeses
• Monitor blood pressure
• Get regular eye exams

It may also help to focus on getting plenty of eye-healthy nutrients from other foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fatty fish.

Consult Your Doctor

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are at high risk, talk to your ophthalmologist about your diet. They can provide tailored guidance on managing your condition through nutrition and other lifestyle factors.

With proper treatment and healthy habits, it is possible to live well with glaucoma and slow vision loss.

But remember, cheeses should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Focus on low-fat varieties, watch your portions, and avoid overdoing high-tyramine cheeses.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.