Fluid continuously enters and leaves the front section of your eye. This fluid, called aqueous, provides nourishment for surrounding tissues. If the fluid does not drain at a steady rate, similar to the rate the aqueous enters the eye, your eye pressure may increase. Glaucoma eye drops reduce eye pressure, but they often cause eye redness and irritation. You may wish to discuss the ways herbal remedies could help relieve eye pressure.
Prognosis
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular eye pressure, and reducing eye pressure will typically prevent further damage to your optic nerve. If you do not receive the appropriate treatment, you may have gradual vision loss. In the early stages, you may not have symptoms or recognize vision changes. Over time, you may notice decreased side vision. Glaucoma causes a feeling of "tunnel vision" in the advanced stages.
After these vision changes occur, treatment will not restore lost vision. If you have advanced glaucoma, or if your eye doctor feels you have a high risk for vision loss, he may not recommend herbal remedies because this could increase your risk for vision damage if the herbal treatments do not work promptly.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a fruit native to Europe, but many stores that carry supplements will provide bilberry extract supplements. Some people believe bilberry may help improve the health of the eyes as well as improve vision. As of 2010, research does not indicate that bilberry extract provides protection against glaucoma, nor does it reduce intraocular pressure. If you wish to try bilberry, your eye doctor may recommend using glaucoma medication in addition to the herbal extract. She will determine an appropriate dose for you, but the average dose is approximately 80 mg two to three times daily.
Ginkgo Biloba
The extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, an extract commonly called ginkgo biloba, historically has been used for treating conditions such as asthma, dementia and dizziness. Some people believe ginkgo may play a role in reducing or preventing glaucoma damage. Research indicates that ginkgo biloba does not treat glaucoma, reports the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. As such, your doctor may not recommend ginkgo as a sole treatment. If you and your doctor agree that you should try the supplement in addition to other treatments, he will recommend an appropriate dosage. The dosage typically ranges from 40 to 80 mg of ginkgo extract three times each day.
Marijuana
Marijuana is an illegal drug that comes from the cannabis plant. In some states, doctors can prescribe marijuana as a treatment for certain conditions, including glaucoma. Marijuana may reduce eye pressure, but a steady reduction in intraocular pressure requires continuous, routine use of the drug. Risks include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as altered mental state. Discuss marijuana use with your eye doctor to determine if this is the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Warnings
Inform your doctor of all your medications and health conditions before beginning an herbal or medicinal treatment for glaucoma. Certain herbs and medications may interact with one another, and you may experience dangerous side effects. If your eye doctor knows your complete medical history, she will have the necessary information to determine the best treatments for your eyes.
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