6 Natural Remedies for Glaucoma

Life can throw all sorts of pressure at you and, at times, it can be tough to get through it all. Well, as you deal with the daily grind of it all there may be some internal pressures you might not be aware of. One such pressure is the squeezing of your optic nerve. This is a pressure that could be the development of something called glaucoma (gl-ow-coma). Sometimes the IOP (intraocular pressure) of the eye can become impinged and compromise the development of pictures sent to the brain. Over time, if this condition is not addressed early enough it could lead to total blindness. 

Glaucoma can be caused by some rare trauma including injury, infection, inflammation, or blocked blood vessels but it is often passed down in the gene pool. If your family line is prone to a glaucoma diagnosis you should stay on top of your eye doctor appointments. In the meantime, there is some research that supports these 6 natural remedies for glaucoma. These remedies may be able to reduce excessive IOP and relieve the optic nerve of this condition. Always check with your doctor before attempting any herbal, vitamin or other natural remedy for glaucoma.

Gingko Biloba

Extract from the leaves of the gingko biloba tree has been highly beneficial for increasing blood flow throughout the body. It creates a response called vasodilation which is the opening of blood vessels. It has been linked to improving brain function and overall focus. In edition, it may be helpful in transporting more blood to the eye which in turn may be able to lower IOP. 

A study of how gingko biloba affects glaucoma conducted by researchers from the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland and published in Molecular Vision, it was concluded that,

“Therefore, based on the current data set and the favorable safety profile of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, the administration of a Ginkgo treatment could be considered in cases where glaucoma progresses despite a normal or normalized IOP.”

Cannabis

Cannabis (marijuana) has been used to treat glaucoma for decades. It has shown to reduce the IOP when smoked or ingested. The compounds in cannabis have been extracted and developed into a pharmaceutical protocol so one could be prescribed the benefits in pill form. 

Research of marijuana and glaucoma continues as long term studies are still weighing in. However, the compounds in cannabis have shown good promise in treating glaucoma. In an archived examination text of marijuana as medicine it was revealed that, although more studies need to be conducted, 

“There is no question that marijuana-based medicines can be used to lower IOP.”

DGLV’s

The real heroes of overall superior health benefits are dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV’s). The amount of antioxidants alone from sources such as kale, spinach, broccoli, chard, and mustard greens is significant but it is the nitric oxide these plants contain which is the healer of the eyes. 

In a study of 1,483 incident cases of POAG (primary open-angle glaucoma), by researchers from Harvard Medical School, it was reported in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) that,

“The researchers found that greater intake of dietary nitrate and green leafy vegetables was associated with a 20 percent to 30 percent lower POAG risk; the association was particularly strong (40 percent-50 percent lower risk) for POAG with early paracentral visual field loss (a subtype of POAG linked to dysfunction in blood flow autoregulation).”

It is essential to consume DGLV’s to increase healthy vision. 

Know Your ABCs

Multitudes of studies have looked at the benefits of vitamin supplements. Although it is best to obtain vitamins from natural plant-based sources (raw or as close to raw as possible), supplementing with high quality, packaged vitamins does hold merit.

A – Results are still coming in from studies of the many benefits of vitamin A on human health, particularly vision. One multi-dimensional study titled, “The Effect of Vitamins on Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” by scientists at the Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands disclosed,

“Vitamin A is known for its function in the retina. Five studies reported on the association of blood levels of vitamin A and glaucoma….regarding to dietary intake of retinol (vitamin A) equivalents two large studies reported a protective effect on OAG [open-angle glaucoma]”

B – A combination of ophthalmological researchers from across the globe determined the indication of low levels of vitamin B3 in those diagnosed with glaucoma. After conducting tests of how the body reacts to vitamin B3 supplementation, results were published in Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology and stated that, 

“Retinal ganglion cells endure significant metabolic stress in glaucoma but maintain capacity to recover function…Nicotinamide (B3) supplementation can improve inner retinal function in glaucoma. Further studies underway to elucidate the effects of long-term nicotinamide supplementation.”

C – Vitamin C is another supplement that is abundant in fruits and vegetables as well as is able to assimilate as a supplement. Published in the esteemed ophthalmological journal EYE, work out of the University of California and Stamford University determined,

“…low- and high-dose supplementary consumption of vitamin C was found to be associated with decreased odds of glaucoma…”

Before grabbing for vitamin supplements, try daily consumption of clean (organic if possible), fruits and vegetables. You don’t need a lot, even one per day of each in a raw or close to raw preparation makes a difference. However, if you do decide to add supplements, do your research on the best ones for you and your budget as there are very good formulas on the market. 

These 6 natural remedies for glaucoma can be applied as a preventative or for one struggling with this disease. Keeping your doctor informed, it may be worth a try especially if it runs in the family. 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3283204/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224386/

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2480455

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32721104/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626010/

https://eyewiki.aao.org/Alternative_Treatments_for_Glaucoma