( CNN ) Roseanne Barr revealed earlier this week that she is going blind . In an interview with The Daily Beast , the 62-year-old comic talked about her struggle with macular degeneration and glaucoma — two eye diseases that get progressively worse over time and can steal vision . Barr 's doctors have n't provided a timeline , but her symptoms are worsening : `` My vision is closing in now , '' she said . `` I just try and enjoy vision as much as possible . Y'know , living it up . '' Related : 9 worst eye care mistakes you 're making . Macular degeneration is a breakdown of the part of the retina that allows us to see fine details in the center of vision ; while glaucoma damages the nerve that connects the retina to the brain , and is often caused by fluid build-up and pressure in the eyes . ( Barr said in the interview that she helps relieve the pressure by using marijuana , which is known to temporarily lower pressure inside the eye . ) `` It 's somewhat unusual that Roseanne Bar has both , but not unheard of , '' explains ophthalmologist Steven A. Shanbom , MD , of Shanbom Eye Specialists in Berkley , Mich . Though there are some controllable risk factors , certain people are genetically predisposed to these diseases , so Barr may simply be prone to both . `` Certainly it 's sad . The combination of the two is terrible . Macular degeneration takes away her central vision , and glaucoma is taking away her peripheral vision , '' Dr. Shanbom adds . ( He is not treating Roseanne Barr , and does not know the specifics of her case . ) The risk for both diseases goes up for everyone after age 60 , with some people , especially African Americans , at higher risk in their 40s . That 's why the American Academy of Opthalmology recommends getting a baseline eye exam when you turn the big 4-0 , even if you have perfect vision . In the early stages , you can have either condition , but have no symptoms at all . Things like a family history or high blood pressure , or issues within the eye ( like having a thinner cornea , for example ) might lead your MD to prescribe drops that can reduce your chances of developing glaucoma by about half . Related : 10 natural ways to lower blood pressure . There is no cure for either disease . But like those eyedrops , there are treatments that may delay the progression of early-stage glaucoma ( from other drugs to surgery ) , and therapies that might halt further vision loss in advanced cases of macular degeneration ( including an implantable telescope ) . The future looks brighter however : An animal study published this month suggests that an injection of stem cells into the eye might slow or even reverse the effects of early-stage macular degeneration . There are also simple things you can start doing right now to ward off these diseases . Here , five ways to protect your peepers . Slip on your shades—even when it 's cloudy . Sun exposure can up the risk for glaucoma and macular degeneration , as well as cataracts ( clouding of the lenses ) . Make sure your sunglasses offer 99 % to 100 % UV protection . Sporting a pair that does n't filter UV light is more dangerous than wearing no shades at all , because the dark lenses cause your pupils to dilate and allow in more harmful rays . Schedule in a regular walk . Studies indicate that aerobic exercise can reduce the eye pressure that leads to glaucoma , and may improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve . According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation , all you need to do is raise your pulse 20 % to 25 % ( which could mean a brisk walk ) for 20 minutes , a minimum of four times a week . Related : 9 tweaks that make walking workouts more effective . Eat your greens . Spinach , kale , and other leafy greens are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that lower your risk of developing macular degeneration ( and cataracts too ) , research shows . Another good source : egg yolks . Snack on almonds , citrus , and berries . Almonds are loaded with vitamin E ( a handful provides about half your daily dose ) , which slows macular degeneration ; while citrus fruit and berries are filled with vitamin C , which cuts your odds of developing the disease . Avoid cigarette smoke . While smoking is bad news for many parts of your body , you may not have considered eyes to be one of them . However , smoking doubles your risk of macular degeneration . Avoiding cigs can not only protect your lungs and heart , it can protect your peepers too .
Barr has macular degeneration and glaucoma , eye diseases that get progressively worse and can steal vision . The risk for both diseases goes up for everyone after this month . Sun exposure can up the risk for glaucoma and macular degeneration .