Can glaucoma patients drink milk?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Shuai

Introduction

In general, glaucoma patients can drink milk, and moderate consumption may even be beneficial to their health, though attention should be paid to the method and total amount of intake. Glaucoma patients should maintain a balanced diet in daily life—besides drinking milk in moderation, they should also consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to obtain sufficient vitamins, while avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Maintaining regular作息 (daily routines) and a positive mental state is also important for managing the condition.

Generally, glaucoma patients can drink milk. Moderate consumption may even be beneficial to their health, but attention should be paid to the method and total amount of intake. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Milk is a common nutritious beverage rich in high-quality protein, calcium, and B vitamins. These nutrients help glaucoma patients replenish energy and strengthen bones. Moreover, milk is mild in nature and does not directly affect intraocular pressure fluctuations. It does not interfere with glaucoma treatment or disease control, so patients do not need to avoid it.

However, glaucoma patients should control their milk intake. Excessive consumption may increase gastrointestinal burden, especially for those with lactose intolerance, potentially causing discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea, which could indirectly affect overall physical condition. In addition, it is advisable to avoid drinking large amounts of chilled milk at once, as the low temperature may trigger blood vessel constriction. Although this does not directly impact the eyes, it might affect the body's overall circulation.

Glaucoma patients should maintain a balanced diet. In addition to moderate milk consumption, they should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamins, and avoid spicy or irritating foods. Maintaining regular作息 (daily routines) and a positive mindset is also important for managing the condition.

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Do all glaucoma patients need pupil constriction?

During acute attacks, the pupil may become moderately dilated or even fixed. In such cases, miotic treatment can constrict the pupil, reduce iris compression on the anterior chamber angle, improve aqueous humor circulation, and lower intraocular pressure. Under specific circumstances—such as narrow angles, angle adhesions, or elevated intraocular pressure without optic disc damage—physicians may consider using miotic agents to reduce intraocular pressure and minimize optic nerve damage.

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If the intraocular pressure in glaucoma has normalized, is further treatment still necessary?

After treatment, if the intraocular pressure has returned to normal and the visual field defect is stabilized, further treatment is usually not required. However, regular follow-up examinations are still recommended to monitor any changes in the condition. If, after treatment, the intraocular pressure is normal but visual field defects persist and the retinal nerve fiber layer continues to thin, the condition is considered unstable and ongoing treatment is generally necessary.

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How much water can a glaucoma patient drink in a day?

In general, the daily water intake for glaucoma patients should be determined according to their clinical condition. Patients with stable disease and controlled intraocular pressure can maintain normal hydration but should drink in divided amounts. Those experiencing acute episodes or elevated intraocular pressure should moderately restrict their fluid intake. It is helpful to use a fixed-size cup and develop the habit of drinking water in small, frequent portions. A light, low-salt diet is recommended to reduce fluid and sodium retention in the body.