Glaucoma is an eye condition that results from a high intraocular pressure. Medications and supplements cannot cause glaucoma, but they may affect pressure in some patients. In people with no risk factors for glaucoma, this may not cause any problems. However, if you have concerns about the effects of supplements, such as lobelia, in glaucoma and increased eye pressures, you should talk with your doctor about the ways lobelia can affect your eyes.
Eye Pressure
Your eye needs to have this pressure to help maintain the round shape. The pressure comes from the aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the front chamber of your eye. Newly made fluid continuously enters as older fluid leaves your eye through a drainage angle near the bottom of this front section of the eye. If the aqueous humor does not drain as fast as the new fluid enters your eye, this could result in a higher eye pressure. This imbalance may result from over-production of aqueous humor or slow drainage.
Lobelia
Lobelia is a flowering plant with a long history in herbal medicine, particularly in the treatment of asthma, and it is a treatment some naturopathic doctors still recommend for bronchial problems. Ingesting or smoking lobelia could lead to serious side effects, but research has not determined any correlation between the herb and the occurrence of glaucoma.
Side Effects
Lobelia is known for inducing vomiting, but this herb may also result in other side effects. Some possible complications include diarrhea, tremors, confusion, tremors and convulsions. Lobelia use may also result in a coma or even death. This supplement may interact with a number of medications such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Considerations
If you have a family history of glaucoma or have any other risk factors for glaucoma, you should talk with your doctor. She can help you determine any supplements or medications you may need to avoid, and she can help you determine any lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of glaucoma.
