Glaucoma Natural Treatments, Cures, and Home Remedies

Lipoic Acid

Persons suffering from open-angle glaucoma were given 150mg of alpha lipoic acid every day. 45 to 47 percent of the eyes had improved color vision and visual sensitivity when contrasted with controls taking only topical medicine. More severe cases showed an even better improvement when compared to controls. ALA has potent neuroprotective properties which is vital in protecting the optic nerve from the ravages of glaucoma. This is one of the most effective natural treatments for glaucoma. A good source for lipoic acid is www dot youngagain dot com. Filina, et al., Vestn Oftalmol 1995 Oct-Dec;111(4):6-8 Osborne, NN Prog Brain Res. 2008;173:339-52 J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 1995 Jul;15(4):624-30 Filina, AA & Sporova, NA. Vestn Oftalmol 1991 May-Jun;107(3):19-21 (100+ other ALA/Neuroprotective Studies) .

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Supplements

Nutrients indicated as natural remedies for glaucoma include melatonin, ginkgo biloba, magnesium, vitamin B-12, lipoic acid and glucosamine sulfate. It was also found that the eyes of persons with open-angle glaucoma showed significantly lower levels of vitamin C when compared with normal eyes. Head, KA Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr;6(2):141-66 Aleksidze, et al. Oftalmol Zh 1989;(2):114-6 Ritch R. Med Hypotheses 2000 Feb;54(2):221-35
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Melatonin

A scientific study found that melatonin lowered eye fluid pressure. Melatonin should only be taken at bedtime. It is produced by the body naturally at this time and supports sleep. It is not good to take it for long periods of time as the body will stop making it on its own. Mediero A, et al Auton Meurosci. 2009 May 11;14y(1-2):14-9. Epub 2009 Jan 26.
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Anthocyanosides (substances found in pine bark, grape seed and bilberry), resvertrol, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, melatonin, dark chocolate and magnesium were discovered to improve blood circulation and flow significantly to the optic nerve and most likely to the ciliary body of the eye (the source of too much fluid production). A study by the USDA found that 75% of persons in the USA were not getting the minimum daily requirement for magnesium. These are excellent natural treatments for glaucoma. Mozaffarieh M, Flammer J. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 2007 May;12(2):195-8 Robert D Steigerwalt Jr, Belcaro Gianni, et al. Molecular Vision 2008; 14:1288-1292 Mozaffarieh M, et al. Surv Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep-Oct;53(5):479-505.
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Magnesium

Blockage of the blood vessels and blood flow along with (and caused by) poor nutrition of the neuronal tissue could be the main cause of glaucoma. Taking a magnesium supplement lowered peripheral vasospasms and increased visual field vision in persons with normal tension as well as open-angle glaucoma. Anyone with glaucoma should try magnesium supplements as a serious home treatment. Sonnsjo & Krakau, Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh) 1993 Aug;71(4):433-44 Gaspar, et al; Ophthalmologica 1995;209(1):11-3

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In addition to lipoic acid, other natural substances that may protect and prevent glaucoma include flavonoids, vitamin B12, thiamine, pycnogenol (from extract of pine bark or grape seeds) and vitamin E. Kobayashi MS, et al. Free Radic Res 2000 Feb;32(2):115-24 Asregadoo, Ann Ophthalmol 1979 Jul;11(7):1095-1100 Chung HS, et al. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 1999 Jun;15(3):233-40 Klin Oczna 1974 Nov;44(11):1183-7

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Chinese Medicine Natural Treatment and Remedies for Glaucoma

Measuring internal eye fluid pressure was not available in historical China and so there was no discussion of excessive pressure and glaucoma in the classic medical texts. However, today’s Chinese medicine practitioners have articulated the source of the excess fluid pressure according to the logical system of Chinese medicine. Circumstances may be different depending on the age and health of the glaucoma patient. The most common cause of glaucoma is too much damp (fluid) being pushed upward in the body by ascending heat (energy). A common cause of this heat is a Yin deficiency which causes an ascending Liver Yang. Glaucoma treatment normally entails draining off excess fluids, reducing the rising heat, and tonifying the causal deficiencies if they are manifest. If emotional excess or anger are the source of the ascending heat, these issues must also be dealt with. Because causes can vary according to the individual, it is best to seek out a professional practitioner of Chinese medicine. The most common formula for relieving excess fluids is Wu Lin San. Practitioners may enhance the water draining process by prescribing additional herbs the reduce dampness. Draining of fluid is normally also treated with Tian Ma Gouteng Yin in order to hold in check ascending liver yang and also Ming Mu Di Huang Wan to enhance the liver yin and the eyes.

The theory of traditional Chinese medicine says the eyes are affected and related to the Liver organ system. This does not mean that eye problems are pointing to liver disease in the Western way of understanding. In Chinese medicine, the Liver system is a complex amalgam of functions that appear unrelated at first glance. These include flow regulation, tendons and joints, and the responsiveness to the emotional climate especially anger. Every organ system corresponds to a body opening. In this way, the liver is associated with the eyes. Acupuncture points and herbs prescribed to treat the eyes are normally corresponding to the liver channel or its partner which is the gall bladder channel which starts beside the eye.

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Homeopathy

Homeopathy natural treatments for glaucoma will vary depending on the constitution of the individual. Therefor it is good to seek a diagnosis and recommendation from a qualified homeopathic practitioner. Below are some of the commonly prescribe medicines.

Aconitum napellus: Prescribed when glaucoma is in the acute form.

Belladonna atropa: When the appearance of glaucoma is swift and the eyes are inflamed and painful with sensitivity to light and dryness.

Bryonia alba: Use when the fluid pressure is elevated and the soreness is intense; there is continuous tearing and sensitivity to light.

Gelsemium: Best used when there is double vision and the vision is greatly diminished and misty. The eyes feel as if they are under pressure and there is soreness.

Opium: Eyes feel swollen, vision is blurred and misty and the pupils are narrow and do not respond to light.

Osmium: It is common for glaucoma sufferers to see a green halo especially when looking at a candle light. They will also typically have intense pain below and above the eye accompanied by tears. They often experience dimming of vision and light is uncomfortable.

Phosphorus: Lessens the degeneration of the eyes and reduces pain.

Spigelia anthelmia: The eyeballs feel as if they are receeding into the skull and they feel too large. This works well for shooting and sharp pain which especially occurs with movement and in the night hours.

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