Home Remedies and Herbs for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a slow-progressing eye disease where the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain becomes damaged. If not detected in early stages, glaucoma can lead to impaired vision or blindness.^{1 2} Glaucoma usually occurs where fluid in the eye can’t drain properly. This increases pressure in the eye and on the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a common condition and many people don’t realize they have it until it reaches an advanced stage and they begin to lose vision.^{1 2} Glaucoma consists of a group of related eye conditions that include:¹

• Primary open glaucoma which is the most common form and develops slowly over years
• Primary angle closure glaucoma which is uncommon and develops quickly
• Secondary glaucoma caused by an underlying eye problem like uveitis
• Normal tension glaucoma where eye pressure appears normal
• Childhood glaucoma which is very rare and affects very young children

Glaucoma is the second biggest cause of blindness in the United States. It can occur at any age, including children, but is more common in older adults. Because it sets in so gradually, glaucoma is called “the thief of sight”. It’s estimated that half of more than 4 million Americans with glaucoma don’t realize they have it.^{1 4}

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma causes are usually due to a blockage in the part of the eye that allows fluid to drain. This leads to a fluid buildup and high pressure on the eye that damages the optic nerve.^{1 2} Doctors aren’t clear on why the blockage begins but have identified certain risk factors for glaucoma. These risk factors that lead to glaucoma causes include:^{1 2 3}

• Being over the age of 60
• Being black or Hispanic
• Having a family medical history of glaucoma
• Other medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure
• Existing eye conditions like nearsightedness (myopia)
• Existing or previous eye injury
• Early estrogen deficiency

Glaucoma and diabetes are often related. Being diabetic has enormous side effects on the remainder of body functions, including vision.¹ It’s not clear if glaucoma can be prevented but having regular eye tests help to identify it early and treatment can begin.¹

Glaucoma Symptoms

The vast majority of people with the early stage of the disease have no obvious glaucoma symptoms. As the disease progresses, peripheral (side) vision becomes blurry and causes tunnel vision where only straight ahead sight is available. This deteriorates as well and irreversible blindness occurs.^{1 2 3} Glaucoma is usually only detected by eye pressure tests however other glaucoma symptoms may appear. These include:^{1 2 3}

• Intense eye pain
• Headache and brow ache
• Red eyes and tenderness in eyes
• “Halo” spots in vision, particularly when looking at lights
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Glaucoma

Glaucoma natural treatments and home remedies can be effective for treating early stage glaucoma and preventing it altogether. Some of the best glaucoma natural treatments include:

• Bilberry - European blueberries or bilberry are one of the most effective natural glaucoma treatments. Bilberry contains high amounts of bioflavonoids that strengthen capillaries, which carry blood and nutrients to eye nerves and muscles.
• Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo biloba is known to boost oxygen flow to the eyes as well as removing toxins. It’s also an antioxidant that supplies immune support.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is a natural remedy to help improve glaucoma symptoms by dramatically reducing eye pressure levels.
• Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper is useful in treating glaucoma due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It works to improve blood flow to the eyes and decrease intraocular pressure.
• Turmeric - Turmeric contains curcumin that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that help prevent eye disease like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
• Bilberry Extract - Extract from European blueberries or bilberry contains condensed amounts of bioflavonoids that strengthen capillaries that carry blood and nutrients to eye nerves and muscles.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/basics/definition/con-20024042
2. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Glaucoma/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/glaucoma
4. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/31/six-natural-strategies-to-stop-glaucoma-from-robbing-you-blind.aspx