Glaucoma refers to a disease of increased intraocular (inside the eye) pressure and optic (of the eye) nerve damage. According to the Mayo Clinic, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Symptoms of glaucoma include intense eye pain, loss of peripheral vision, eye redness and blurry vision. Medicated eye drops such as levobunolol, oral (taken by mouth) medications such as acetazolamide and surgery are some typical medical treatments for glaucoma. However, there are also a wide variety of natural treatments to manage glaucoma.
Fluids
The Mayo Clinic says that you should drink sips of fluid such as water frequently throughout the day. Drinking 1 qt. or more of fluid can reduce eye pressure and relieve glaucoma symptoms.
Herbs
Mothernature.com indicates that herbs can help treat glaucoma. For example, jaborandi is an herb that is actually a derivative of the glaucoma medication pilocarpine. Kaffir potato is another herb that helps to lower intraocular pressure. Pansy, bilberry and shephard's purse are other herbs that can treat glaucoma. Pansy contains a substance called rutin which is effective in lowering eye pressure. Bilberry is an herb that contains anthocyanosides, substances which prevent your body from breaking down vitamin C, a crucial component in protecting your vision. Shepherd's purse is another herb that helps protect your vision. Talk to your physician prior to taking herbal remedies, as they may interact with your current medications or worsen your current medical conditions. Note that the Mayo Clinic says that herbal remedies haven't been proven effective in treating glaucoma and should only be used as an alternative treatment.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can reduce elevated eye pressures. Vitamin C is found in such fruits and vegetables as cabbage, broccoli, papaya and strawberries. Eat plenty of these foods daily in order to receive its benefits. You can also take 2,000 to 35,000mg of vitamin C supplements daily. Note that taking greater than 1,000mg of vitamin C can lead to diarrhea.
Exercise
The Mayo Clinic says that daily exercise can help reduce eye pressure. However, it is important to note that exercise may exacerbate a type of glaucoma called pigmentary glaucoma. This kind of glaucoma involves pigment granules infiltrating certain parts of your eye called the trabecular meshwork. This subsequently leads to increased eye pressure.
