Glaucoma is the name given to an eye disease where the optic nerve is damaged by the internal pressure of the eye. It is probably caused by chronic inflammation which reduces the body's ability to drain pressure from the eye. The inflammation is due to some underlying disease like diabetes or high blood pressure. These diseases are caused by poor diet.
There are generally two forms of glaucoma: Open angle glaucoma is the more common form in which the patient progressively loses peripheral vision. Over time they develop a "tunnel vision" in which they no longer are able to "see out of the corner of their eyes." Closed angle glaucoma is the less common, but often more serious, form because there are usually no symptoms until late in the disease when irreversible damage has occurred.
The best approach to glaucoma, as with all disease, is to prevent it. The standard American diet (SAD) has too few nutrients and too much fat, sugar and salt for healthy eyes--or a healthy anything. An active lifestyle combined with a Mediterranean Diet or the popular South Beach Diet will help most people avoid glaucoma and the diseases that underly it.
Some important nutrients that help to prevent glaucoma include:
- Choline and Inositol are important B vitamins that support the eyes and brain. Lecithin is a good source of both.
- Essential Fatty Acids, often referred to as Omega 3, 6, and 9, are important for all tissue repair.
- Glutathione is an strong antioxidant that helps prevent tissue damage.
- Rutin is a bioflavonoid that can reduce the pressure inside the eye.
- A natural multivitamin with adequate vitamins A, B, C, and E will support many body processes that help protect and heal the eyes. The multivitamin should include a wide range of minerals.
- Alpha-lipoic Acid (ALA) is an important antioxidant that has been associated with eye protection.
- Zinc has been shown to have some effectiveness in glaucoma patients.
For patients with glaucoma some herbs have been shown to support healing:
- Bilberry is generally healing for the eyes. It contains flavonoids and nutrients. Blueberries and red raspberry leaves are also helpful.
- Eyebright was known in ancient times to benefit the eyes; that's where its name came from.
- Coleus forskohli is an Ayurvedic herb that is known to reduce eye pressure.
- Eye drops using body temperature fennel tea and eyebright tea are often recommended by herbalists. Apply three drops in each eye three times each day. Use pure water to make the tea. Learn how to apply eyedrops properly; if the drop rolls down your cheek, you won't get much benefit.
Be Active
- Studies show that exercising three times per week has been shown to reduce eye pressure by 20%.
- Avoid TV and long periods at a computer. Take frequent breaks to allow your eye to experience different focussing distances.
- Avoid tobacco smoke, alcohol and all forms of caffeine.
Other Considerations
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to be more effective than western medicine in reversing glaucoma.
Avoid taking more than 200mg of niacin per day. Some patients with high cholesterol take up to 1000mg of prescription niacin per day. This is yet another reason to avoid heart disease through a proper diet throughout our lives.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
