Sep 14, 2014 03:33 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Eating the right foods may help reduce the risk of glaucoma, according to a recent study.

Glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve, is a leading cause of blindness among adults, Fox News reported. It is normally associated with increased fluid pressure in the eye which distorts the shape of the eyeball, damaging the lens of the eye, and resulting in blindness. The condition can be mitigated with eye drops and cannabis. However, many people go blind due to glaucoma.

Researchers found that consuming food rich in retinol - a form of vitamin A - helps to reduce the risk of glaucoma, prevent the disease, and help people to maintain healthy eyesight longer in life. Retinol is found in milk, liver, cheese and butter.

They also saw a correlation between lower rates of glaucoma and high consumption of leafy green vegetables, carrots, fruits and fruit juices.  Foods high in antioxidants such as green tea, chocolate and coffee -- without the sugar -- were also recommended to reduce glaucoma risk. However, researchers caution that those who have "well-established cases of glaucoma" should consume little or no caffeine because it can exacerbate the disease by increasing intraocular pressure.

Researchers also came up with a seven-point set of guidelines for reducing glaucoma risk:

1.       Consume a lot of colorful fruit and vegetables

2.       Indulge in a moderate consumption of salt.

3.       Refrain from high-calorie meals

4.       Consume more fish or nuts rich in omega-3 PFA

5.    Drink small amounts of liquid in the course of the day.

6.    Consume moderate and green tea.

7.    Avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages as they can exacerbate the disease

The findings were recently published in the Archives of the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology.

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