Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect your optic nerve -- the nerve responsible for transporting visual information between your eyes and your brain. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that intraocular pressure, or pressure increased within your eye, damages your optic nerve. The center reports that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness among Americans. Herbal remedies may be a helpful adjunct therapy in the treatment of this condition, but always discuss herbs and their associated risks with your doctor before taking them.
About Glaucoma
The National Eye Institute states that there are five main types of glaucoma: open-angle, low-tension, angle-closure, congenital and secondary. Open-angle glaucoma, notes the institute, is the most common form of this condition. Symptoms depend on the type of glaucoma you have, but may include gradual loss of peripheral vision, severe one-sided eye pain that develops suddenly, cloudy vision, the sensation of eye swelling, eye enlargement and increased sensitivity to light. Reducing eye pressure is one of the primary treatment goals for this condition.
Helpful Herbs
Phyllis Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that numerous herbs are helpful in treating glaucoma, including bilberry, blueberries and red raspberry leaf. These herbs possess nutrients and flavonoids that help protect your eyes from damage. Herbs that help treat various eye disorders, including glaucoma, include eyebright and chickweed. Ginkgo, in combination with zinc, is often used to slow progressive vision loss. Other helpful herbs for this condition include fennel, chamomile and rose hips.
Featured Herb
Jaborandi -- a rainforest herb -- contains a substance called pilocarpine that has been used for over 100 years to help reduce intraocular pressure. Jaborandi, notes Balch, possesses diuretic properties and performs many important health actions, including reducing inflammation and stimulating milk production in nursing mothers. This herbal remedy has been used to treat glaucoma, bronchitis, fevers, colds, colon problems, flu and edema. The leaves of this plant are used in herbal preparations.
Considerations
Glaucoma is a serious condition that may lead to vision loss in some cases. Discuss appropriate treatment strategies with your doctor, and ask your doctor if herbal medicines may be helpful for your particular type of glaucoma. Although herbs have been used to treat this condition for many years, herbs may not be appropriate for you if you are taking certain prescription drugs, have certain allergies or have another existing medical condition.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Glaucoma
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Glaucoma
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
