Natural remedies for glaucoma

Despite the fact that there is no known cure for glaucoma, there are certain natural health and wellness suggestions that may help your eyes adapt to medical treatment as effective as possible. Natural treatments for glaucoma may be a useful addition to medical care but are not sufficient to fully address the illness or provide a cure. 

Beware of internet glaucoma “quick cures” and purported miracle treatments. Before starting a new regimen that could have an impact on your condition or health or interact with your present therapy, always consult with your eye care professional. 

There are several methods to use drug-free, natural “remedies” to support your glaucoma therapy, from adding certain foods and nutrients to your diet to quitting bad behaviors.

To lessen pollutants, don’t smoke cigarettes. 

Smoking significantly increases the chance of developing a number of eyes and overall health issues. Smoking can exacerbate a number of eye diseases, including uveitis, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusions. 

As a vasoconstrictor, nicotine narrows the blood vessels. This could reduce the volume of blood flowing to the optic nerve and impede the aqueous expulsion from the anterior chamber drainage angle. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that smoking increases ocular pressure by more than 5 mmHg. 

Additionally, tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs), benzene, insecticides, arsenic, cadmium, cyanide, and many other dangerous substances are found in cigarette smoke. These pollutants travel throughout the body, harming the optic nerve through oxidative stress and escalating your glaucoma. 

Population-based research has verified the link between smoking and elevated risk of glaucoma and greater ocular pressure. I believe that quitting smoking is one of the most significant natural glaucoma treatments.

Regular exercise can lower blood pressure and slow the loss of visual fields. 

According to several research studies, aerobic exercise performed three times per week for at least 30 to 45 minutes per session can reduce ocular pressure by an average of 20%. If you cease exercising for two weeks or longer, this pressure-lowering effect will no longer be present. 

The risk of progressive visual field degeneration may be decreased by walking at least 5,000 steps each day (or engaging in comparable activity). Walking also increases blood circulation. In fact, increasing daily exercise levels by, for example, adding 5,000 extra steps to your daily walk, engaging in 2.6 more hours of non-sedentary activity, or working out for 120 minutes at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, was able to slow down the average rate of visual field impairment by around 10%. 

Be aware that not all forms of exercise are beneficial. Exercises with high impact and intensity may enhance the release of iris pigment and raise ocular pressure. 

Additionally, head-down or inverted positions during activities, such as those found in yoga, are likely to increase eye pressure and risk further optic nerve injury.

Eat a balanced diet to combat glaucoma 

It has been demonstrated that a healthy diet may influence eye health and may even halt the onset of diseases like glaucoma. 

Recent research suggests that specific vitamins and minerals may affect IOP as well as the occurrence and development of glaucoma. Fruits and vegetables that are richer in carotenoids and vitamins A and C in particular seem to be beneficial.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A serves as an antioxidant and is crucial for the healthy operation of the retina and rhodopsin. Despite considerable variation in the studies, it appears that vitamin A may have a preventive impact on the development of glaucoma. Although the precise basis of this link is unknown, it could be connected to their function as antioxidants. However, using vitamin A has some dangers; above 3,000mcg might cause night blindness and cerebral hypertension. 

Vitamin C

It’s uncertain how vitamin C affects glaucoma. The aqueous and vitreous humor contains large concentrations of vitamin C, up to 20–70 times that of plasma. This is thought to function as a defense mechanism against oxidative damage and free radicals produced by sunshine. While antioxidant actions have a protective mechanism within the retina, which may offer protection against retinal damage in glaucoma, there has also been research showing that a high intake of vitamin C through food can significantly lower IOP through an osmotic impact. Although it must be administered intravenously at extremely large dosages, this is not practically feasible. In addition, additional symptoms including diarrhea and dehydration may occur when such large doses (over 2,000mg/day) are used.

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are pigment-producing compounds that are present in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Numerous have been investigated and have promise as natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-apoptotic agents, and excitotoxic agents. Baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin are three flavonoids that have this capability; they are all derived from the root of the herbal remedy S. Baicalensis. S. Baicalensis is currently a widely used herbal remedy in several Asian nations. In vivo studies in rats have demonstrated that bioflavonoids have the capacity to shield retinal ganglion cells against retinal ischemia and apoptosis, which is particularly relevant to glaucoma. Additionally, a human investigation revealed that inhibiting the production of VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase-9 protected the cells of the retinal pigment epithelium. This suggests that it has potential as a neuroprotective therapy, and more research in people is required to ascertain its therapeutic viability and its pharmacological and pharmacokinetic features.

For this reason, leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, kale, and Brussels sprouts are some of the most crucial vegetables to consume in your diet. 

Additionally, antioxidants could aid in halting future optic nerve damage. Antioxidants are present in foods including cranberries, black and green teas, flax seeds, pomegranates, and acai berries. 

You should also consume other items, such as peaches, carrots, beets, green beans, and radishes, as part of your daily fruit and vegetable consumption. However, experts advise avoiding consuming excessive amounts of coffee and other caffeinated drinks since caffeine can raise ocular pressure.

Supplements that work in conjunction with current glaucoma therapy to prevent future glaucoma damage 

Vitamin dietary supplements 

Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is crucial for aiding DNA repair and cell metabolism. 

When administered over a six-week period, nicotinamide 3,000 mg daily has been found to shield the optic nerve from glaucoma damage. 

In a different study, it was shown that nicotinamide and pyruvate improved visual performance in mild glaucoma after just two months.

Vitamin B12

Methylcobalamin, often known as vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin. It aids in the operation of our nervous system and is crucial for the control of DNA and the formation of red blood cells. 

Since our bodies cannot naturally synthesize vitamin B12, we must obtain it from food. Methylcobalamin, a kind of vitamin B12 that is naturally present, may be found in foods such as eggs, milk, fish, and meat. 

According to Japanese research, taking 1,500 micrograms (or 1.5 mg) of oral methylcobalamin every day for four years will slow the loss of visual field function in low-pressure glaucoma patients. 

Vitamin E

Alpha-tocopherol, often known as vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Animal and vegetable fats naturally contain it. When taken for at least 6 to 12 months, alpha-tocopherol has been shown to increase blood flow to the eye and lessen the degradation of the visual field.

Using Meditation to Reduce Intraocular Pressure  

Stress and blood pressure, two risk factors for high ocular pressure, have been proven to be reduced by meditation. 

An Indian randomized clinical study has shown that practicing mindfulness meditation for an hour a day for three weeks while taking the recommended glaucoma drugs considerably lowers ocular pressure, lowers stress levels, and improves the quality of life.

Herbs to Treat Glaucoma

It’s thought that certain plants can help with glaucoma treatments. Ginkgo, bilberry, and forskolin in particular could be advantageous. These herbal treatments for glaucoma have the following advantages: 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 

This herb has been demonstrated in several experimental models to enhance ocular blood flow. Ginkgo biloba is a well-liked alternative glaucoma therapy. Its antioxidant capabilities are thought to have a protective role in glaucoma. However, it differs somewhat from other antioxidants in that it is thought to function at the level of the mitochondria to stabilize and defend the mitochondrial membrane against damage rather than only scavenging free radicals. It has also been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. In the treatment of glaucoma, these qualities have been suggested to have a neuroprotective impact. Although enhanced retinal and choroidal circulation has been shown in animal research and may help the retina, this impact has not been well investigated in people. The results of several randomized control trials examining ginkgo biloba’s effects on IOP and visual fields were ultimately ambiguous since some studies showed improvement after ginkgo Biloba administration while others did not. In particular, Ginko Biloba was investigated in two investigations as a potential therapy for normal tension glaucoma. One of them had an improvement in the visual fields, but the effect was lost following the washout and the IOP remained stable. No significant changes in visual fields or IOP was seen in the second research with ginkgo and NGT, and the findings of the previous studies were not duplicated. In conclusion, there is some evidence to suggest that ginkgo Biloba may have antioxidant, circulatory, and neuroprotective advantages in the eye, and it is typically a low-risk alternative, however further research is required. As a result of its antithrombotic qualities, Ginkgo Biloba has been linked to several unfavorable consequences, including cerebral bleeding and retinal hemorrhage, however, other studies have found that the risk of bleeding is minimal.

Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus)

Bilberry is well-known for being a powerful antioxidant. One research found that bilberry reduced retinal ganglion cell damage in mice, but no human studies have found a similar effect. 

Forskolin (coleus forskohlii)

By slowing the flow of aqueous fluid into the eye, this plant may reduce IOP when given topically. 

Medical marijuana (cannabis)

According to certain research, marijuana usage on a regular basis, which might result in potentially harmful side effects, may temporarily decrease IOP.

It has been demonstrated that cannabis can cause a short-term drop in IOP of up to 30%. The duration of effects is usually 3 to 4 hours, and maintaining stable cannabinoid levels is necessary to get the benefits. THC and CBD are the two substances that have physiological effects. THC can now be administered orally, sublingually, intravenously, or by other means as well. Only sublingual and intravenous injections of cannabis components to decrease IOP is effective. THC topical administration has not been proven to be successful in the treatment of ocular conditions due to its low penetration, however more recent therapies using a topical synthetic cannabinoid (WIN55212-2) have been reported to reduce IOP by 20–30%, although benefits only persist for about an hour and further study is required to address clinical feasibility. Additionally, as strains with a greater CBD: THC ratio has been demonstrated to actually raise IOP, additional study is required to address particular formulations for clinical usage. Research on synthetic cannabinoids is still underway, and one substance, BW146Y, was discovered to lessen IOP even though individuals still had some negative effects. Therefore, further study is required to determine whether this chemical is viable for use as medicine. Although the administration of cannabinoids may have short-term advantages for IOP, marijuana and cannabis derivatives have a number of negative side effects, such as psychotropic effects, tachycardia, hypotension, dry eyes, poor short-term memory, decreased coordination, and dizziness. Because the long-term negative consequences of marijuana usage exceed the short-term positive effects of IOP, therapy is not now therapeutically feasible.

Limit the usage of steroid treatments or medications

Steroid drugs, whether taken orally, topically or nasally, can elevate ocular pressure (a condition known as the “steroid response”). The most typical medication-related cause of cataracts and glaucoma is steroids. 

Please consider any non-steroid treatment options with your primary care physician or other medical professionals if you are using steroids and are concerned about your risk of developing glaucoma.

Good Dental Hygiene

Maintain proper oral hygiene and schedule routine dental visits. According to several studies, periodontal (gum) disease raises the likelihood of developing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Get Regular Eye Exams

Glaucoma vision loss cannot be restored, hence it is essential that the condition be identified early and treated correctly. Natural glaucoma “remedies” should not be used as a replacement for glaucoma therapy recommended by your eye doctor. However, dietary supplements and healthy lifestyle modifications may be helpful to complement conventional glaucoma therapies. 

Before considering using any natural glaucoma treatments, be careful to discuss them with your eye doctor. Some might really negatively interact with your meds. 

Don’t delay making an appointment for routine checks with an eye doctor. Regular eye exams are important for everyone, but they are especially important for those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma or are more likely to develop it. 

FAQ’s for natural remedies for glaucoma

How can I naturally reverse glaucoma? 

Adopt a balanced diet. A nutritious diet can aid in maintaining your well-being, but it won’t stop glaucoma from getting worse. 

• Regular physical activity may lower ocular pressure. 
• Stop smoking. 
• Decrease caffeine 

What vitamin is recommended for glaucoma treatment? 

Its eventual treatment may require treating both pressure and neuroprotective problems. B1, B3, B12, C, A, and E vitamin supplements have all been shown to have an impact on glaucoma. 

Can glaucoma be cured by turmeric? 

Researchers in the UK have discovered a turmeric derivative that may be used to treat glaucoma in its early stages. It has been discovered how to make “curcumin” eye drops, which may assist glaucoma patients from losing their vision.