Glaucoma is a medical condition that affects the optic nerve of the eye. In most people who have glaucoma, the eye's pressure, called intraocular pressure or IOP, becomes elevated and contributes to the nerve damage. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), people who have normal eye pressure as well as people with high IOP can develop glaucoma. Glaucoma can lead to a permanent loss of vision if left untreated. Medications can be used to lower eye pressure and to promote a normal pattern of fluid drainage in the eye. Alternative treatments may also be considered to slow the progression of eye diseases such as glaucoma.
Gingko Biloba
The antioxidant properties of the supplement gingko biloba may have a positive effect on glaucoma sufferers, according to the GRF. An improvement of sight may occur during regular use of the supplement, because ginkgo biloba has the ability to improve blood flow in the eye. The GRF states that more studies are needed to provide a more direct link between the natural remedy and eye disease.
Marijauna
People who do not respond to conventional treatment of glaucoma may choose to discuss the subject of medical marijuana with a doctor. The National Eye Institute performed clinical studies for a six-year period between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. Results showed that some glaucoma patients who smoked marijuana experienced up to a 20 percent drop in eye pressure, though most of the benefit was temporary. The benefits of marijuana as an alternative treatment for glaucoma must be weighed against the known risks of using the controlled substance.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin supplements, especially the antioxidant vitamin C, might slow the progression of glaucoma in some people. Large doses of vitamin C would be required to lower intraocular pressure significantly. The GRF explains that the unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects of mass-dosing vitamin C could interfere with using vitamins as an alternative to traditional glaucoma treatment.
Neurogeneration
Neurogeneration is an alternative treatment for glaucoma that is being studied and could be an alternative treatment in the future of glaucoma. Neurogeneration is the production of new cells that could repair damage that has already been sustained by the optic nerve. The National Glaucoma Research program, affiliated with the American Health Assistance Foundation, notes that some scientists believe future glaucoma patients may be able to create new cells to repair glaucoma through a vaccine.
