Natural Glaucoma Remedies

Glaucoma is an eye condition – or more accurately a group of eye conditions – that stems from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual signals to the brain. According to the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), approximately 2.7 million Americans have some form of glaucoma, and every one of them wants to know the same thing. “How can I prevent further vision loss?”

Successful Glaucoma Treatment is Twofold

The keys to successful treatment of glaucoma are quite simple. 1) Early detection. So, when was your last eye exam? 2) Continued regular treatment. Glaucoma must be treated over the course of one’s life, and high IOP must be managed every day. When treated in such a manner, vision is preserved 95% of the time or more.

Of course, there are additional treatments that could help lower eye pressure and minimize optic nerve damage.

Natural Glaucoma Remedies

Because increased IOP is a major risk factor of optic nerve damage and glaucoma, treatment often centers on reducing that pressure. This is typically done through the use of prescription medication, such as eye drops and pills, or surgery. However, there are also several natural remedies that could also help.

The Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts.

“As surprising as it may sound, the same lifestyle changes that lower blood pressure typically also work to lower your eye pressure, thereby helping to prevent and even treat glaucoma,” says Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician.

1. Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to lower eye pressure naturally.
2. Bilberry: This relative of the blueberry contains high quantities of anthocyanin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties.
3. Fish Oil: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, may help relieve intraocular pressure.
4. Vitamin C: , Taking 1 vitamin C each day can help lower high IOP.

Of course, consult your eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist – before starting any treatment course. Also, it is important to note that the above natural glaucoma remedies are to be used in conjunction with traditional treatments.

“No serious eye condition – including glaucoma – should be treated solely with alternative approaches,” explains Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. “An ophthalmologist’s care is vital.”

The Anne Arundel Eye Center: A Regional Leader in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma

Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and the staff at the Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor,” said Dr. Boles.

If you have any questions about Glaucoma Treatment or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form.

You can also follow AAEC on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.