Eye pressure increases in patients with glaucoma, damaging the optic nerve, and, left untreated, can result in blindness. Most ophthalmologists treat glaucoma with a prescription eye drops to lower the pressure. Emerging research shows that a few herbs might be helpful in treating glaucoma, while others can worsen the condition.
Glaucoma
Fluid in the eyes does not drain well in people who have glaucoma, putting pressure on the delicate fibers of the optic nerve. In the most common form of the disease, open angle glaucoma, drainage becomes partially blocked, and patients may not notice vision loss, as it occurs gradually and painlessly. Peripheral vision is lost first. Closed angle glaucoma occurs when drainage becomes suddenly completely blocked, causing severe eye pain, blurred vision and high eye pressure.
Bilberry
Bilberry is an extract of the European blueberry and available in some health food stores. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, some data indicates that bilberry may improve night vision and recovery time from glare, but no evidence shows that it is effective in the treatment or prevention of glaucoma. However, a small 2008 study published in the journal "Molecular Vision" found that a combination of bilberry extract and French maritime pine bark may protect against the disease. In the study, Italian researchers found that eye pressure was lowered in 19 of 20 study participants taking the herbs twice a day. Only one of the 18 control patients not taking the herbs saw a difference.
Other Helpful Herbs
Ginkgo biloba may be helpful in some people with glaucoma. A small study in the February 2003 issue of "Ophthalmology" showed that the herb can help patients see a wider visual field.
Forskolin eye drops, derived from the root of the Coleus forskohlii pant, may reduce intra-ocular pressure, according to Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. And green tea may help reduce oxidation damage in the eye lens associated with open angle glaucoma, according to a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry."
Don't Use These Herbs
Ephedra may dilate pupils, resulting in the restriction of movement of fluid within the eye by shrinking the passageway between the iris and cornea, according to Life Extension, a nutrition and health website. It recommends avoiding this herb. The herb bloodroot can be found in some toothpastes and mouthwashes. Both Sloan-Kettering and Life Extension adivse steering clear of the herb, which may make glaucoma worse, although they note the amount ingested in toothpaste is minimal.
References
- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Glaucoma
- Glaucoma Research Foundation: Alternative Mediciine
- Swanson Health News: Combination of Bilberry and Pine Bark Helps Ward Off Glaucoma
- Swanson Health News: Study Finds Green Tea Could Reduce Glaucoma Risk
- All About Vision.com: Glaucoma Treatment: Eye Drops and Other Medications
- Live Extension: Glaucoma
