Glaucoma is a condition that results when a high pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. The damage will lead to a progressive loss of vision that slowly takes away your side vision. In order to stop or minimize damage, you must reduce your eye pressure. Some people may try ginkgo biloba for an herbal approach. Knowing about ginkgo will help you determine if this is the appropriate treatment for your eyes.
Theories
Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, a tree used for thousands of years in various aspects of Chinese medicine. Ginkgo biloba may help improve blood flow, and in theory this may help improve the blood flow to the optic nerve. One study indicated that using ginkgo extract improved the vision of participants, explains the Glaucoma Research Foundation. However, controversy surrounds the results of the study, and researchers must continue to evaluate ginkgo biloba to determine if this supplement offers potential benefits for glaucoma sufferers.
Eye Pressure
The front section of your eye contains fluid called aqueous, and this fluid continuously enters and leaves the eye, providing a constant flow of nutrients to the surrounding tissues. If the fluid does not leave as fast as the fluid enters the eye, eye pressure will increase, slowing the blood flow to the optic nerve at the back of the eye, and this will gradually result in vision loss. Ginkgo biloba will not reduce your eye pressure. You should work closely with your doctor to come up with a treatment for your condition.
Dosage
In the controversial study regarding vision restoration, study participants took 120 mg of ginkgo biloba each day. If you and your doctor determine that ginkgo biloba may offer benefits to you and your condition, she will help you determine if this dosage is appropriate for you. She may make adjustments, depending on your health and medications you take.
Warnings
Ginkgo biloba will not treat or reduce your eye pressure, so you must continue to use any eye drops or medications your doctor prescribes for your glaucoma. If you begin taking ginkgo biloba, you should continue using your eye medications unless otherwise indicated by your eye doctor. Eye drops to reduce eye pressure will help you avoid continued damage to your eye.
Considerations
Do not take ginkgo biloba without first discussing the extract with your doctor. Ginkgo may interact with certain medications such as antiseizure drugs, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, diabetic medications and blood thinners.
