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Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after Macular Degeneration affects over two million Americans. Glaucoma can be a dangerous disease that demands treatment as soon as possible, else loss of vision is high.
In a healthy eye, fluid is delivered and drained at equal rates. Let’s say, if this cycle has gone out of balance whereby the fluid cannot drain properly, it builds up and pressurizes the optic nerve, the lens, and the retina. Over time, this surge in pressure can partly damage or ruin the retina and indeed the optic nerve causing blindness.
There is no sole cause of glaucoma identified so far but it is believed that a diversity of factors operate like environmental toxins, certain medications, nutritional scarcities, soaring stress levels, and extra factors that may predispose an individual to develop glaucoma.
The Root Causes of Glaucoma
Some of the known root causes for glaucoma include:
• Gathering of wastes and toxins in the body
• Certain prescription drugs including corticosteroids, blood pressure meds, and antidepressants
• Heredity
• Ailments like macular degeneration and other eye disorders
• Metabolic slowing due to aging
• Nutritional insufficiencies.
The Best Remedies for Treating Glaucoma Naturally
After knowing something about glaucoma and its symptoms, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of treating it naturally and staving off its progress!
The Best Supplements for Treating Glaucoma Naturally
Here are some of the best supplements and natural remedies to consider that helps keep eye pressure balanced and also prevents it from growing. After all, you surely don’t want to mess with potential vision loss and blindness!
1. Magnesium
Taking 250 mg of magnesium daily can assist to relax blood vessels and considerably improves healthy blood flow and circulation to the eyes.
You can use an oral supplement or even apply magnesium via the skin by applying a magnesium lotion, liniment, gel, or oil.
2. Vitamin C
Studies have shown that exerting 2,000 mg of Vitamin C per day can drastically reduce intraocular pressure by a whopping 16mm Hg. An even more aggressive approach is to see a physician who can administer intravenous Vitamin C. However, the effect only lasts as long as the Vitamin C is being taken so if you stop, your pressures may rise again.
It is generally recommended to take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C two to four times daily. Be careful though, especially if your body isn’t used to taking Vitamin C, it can have a laxative effect.
3. Fish Oil
Taking 1,000 mg of high-quality fish oil (600 mg of EPA and 400 mg DHA) has been shown to significantly decrease eye pressure. The Omega fatty acids will also keep your eye tissues robust and healthy. Additionally, you can use fish oil as a natural remedy to treat dry eyes.
4. Alpha Lipoic Acid
This powerful antioxidant has shown hope when treating glaucoma naturally and dropping eye pressure. It helps shield your eyes from free extreme damage and keep the soft tissue of the eyes supple and flexible.
It is suggested to take 100 mg of alpha lipoic acid twice daily.
5. Bilberry Extract
The powerful anthocyanins found in bilberry are believed to be the key bio actives responsible for improving vision. It also contains flavonols, quercetin, catechins, tannins, ellagitannins, and phenolic acids. However, it is the anthocyanins that are believed to be responsible for its effects on cell-signaling pathways, gene expression, and DNA repair.
Because of the innumerable health benefits of bilberry, it is suggested as a treatment for damaged retina, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Its high flavonoid content helps eye structure and function and enhances healthy blood flow to the eye.
It is urged to take 160 mg twice daily of a 25% anthocyanosides extract.
6. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is known to improve blood circulation in sensitive tissues such as the brain and optic nerve. Improved circulation to these organs may ease the course of glaucoma.
It is recommended to take 60 mg three times daily of a 24% flavone glycoside extract. Keep in mind that the herb must be consumed regularly in order to produce clinical benefits.
7. Chromium
For those who suffer from diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and other blood sugar conditions, it is essential to eat a diet big in chromium-rich foods or to take a chromium supplement to help stabilize blood sugar and regulate eye pressure.
It is recommended to take 250-500 mg of chromium twice daily.
Some of the best essential oils for glaucoma include:
• Clove
• Cypress
• Frankincense
• Helichrysum
• Lemon
Other Recommendations
- Avoiding long periods of eye strain while reading, playing video games, or working on the computer is key to keeping your eyes rested and healthy.
- Avoid watching TV in the dark as extended periods of time in darkness can bring on acute glaucoma.
- Smoking can greatly inhibit healthy circulation to the eyes and retina so it’s recommended to quit smoking and duck secondhand smoke as much as possible.
- Mild to moderate aerobic exercise is known to improve and balance eye pressure.
