Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that may lead to blindness if left untreated. It occurs when pressure in the eye builds, causing damage to the optic nerve. Medical treatments cannot restore lost eyesight, but they can help to stop progression of the disease. Some herbs may support vision and eye health and are sometimes used alongside medical treatments. However, you should never rely on herbs alone to treat glaucoma.
Green Tea and Ginkgo Biloba
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes that green tea and ginkgo biloba may be beneficial for glaucoma patients. Green tea contains a host of biologically active compounds and is used as an alternative remedy for several conditions, including hypertension and cancer. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used as an herbal remedy for cognitive disorders but according to MedlinePlus is also used to treat eye disorders. UMMC suggests taking 40 to 80 mg of ginkgo biloba three times daily or 250 to 500 mg of green tea daily. Your doctor or ophthalmologist will be able to give you further advice on an appropriate for you.
Research
Clinical studies examining the role of ginkgo in the treatment of glaucoma are limited. However, research published in the March 2004 issue of "Current Eye Research" found that pretreatment and early posttreatment with ginkgo extract acted as an effective neuroprotectant in chronic glaucoma. However, the study was carried out in an animal model, not in people with the condition. Although few studies have examined the efficacy of green tea as a glaucoma treatment, research published in the December 2006 issue of "Brain Research" found that daily intake of a green tea compound may help individuals suffering from glaucoma induced by oxidative stress.
Side Effects
Ginkgo is likely safe, but it may cause side effects including headache, dizziness, allergic skin reactions and constipation, MedlinePlus warns. Do not consume raw ginkgo seeds, as they contain a substance that may cause seizures, loss of consciousness and even death. Green tea is likely safe, but drinking more than 5 cups daily may cause side effects including confusion, insomnia and vomiting.
Considerations
Green tea and ginkgo are not suitable herbs for everyone. Green tea is contraindicated in several conditions including anemia, heart conditions and anxiety. Although this herb is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for glaucoma, patients with glaucoma should probably not consume large amounts of green tea. Do not use ginkgo if you have diabetes or a seizure disorder. This herb may increase the risk of bleeding, so do not use it if you have a bleeding disorder.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center:Glaucoma
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- MedlinePlus: Ginkgo
- "Current Eye Research;" The Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGb 761) Provides a Neuroprotective Effect on Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Rat Model of Chronic Glaucoma; K. Hirooka et al., March 2004
- "Brain Research;" Oxidative-Induced Retinal Degeneration is Attenuated by Epigallocatechin Gallate; B. Zhang and N.N. Osborne; December 2006
- RxList: Green Tea
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