Glaucoma is a degenerative condition that affects the optic nerve in the eye, leading to progressive vision loss and potentially irreversible blindness if not properly managed.
Discover six natural remedies for glaucoma that may help manage symptoms, prevent vision loss, and promote eye health.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that develops gradually as damage to the optic nerve accumulates over time.
The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. As nerve damage worsens, it can lead to significant vision loss and, eventually, blindness.
The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), which develops slowly and often has no noticeable early warning signs. This explains why glaucoma is generally referred to as the silent thief of sight.
Other types include acute angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.
Watch this video to learn how to improve glaucoma naturally.
Causes and risk factors
The primary cause of glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure, which can cause reduced ocular blood flow to the optic nerve.
Several conditions can contribute to the development of glaucoma, and understanding them is crucial for the early detection and prevention of this eye disease.
Here are eight risk factors linked to an increased risk of glaucoma.
1. Age
The risk of glaucoma increases with age, especially in individuals over the age of 60.
2. Family history
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk of developing this condition, particularly if immediate relatives such as parents or siblings are affected.
3. Ethnic background
People of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent exhibit a greater prevalence of glaucoma in comparison to individuals of European ancestry.
4. Underlying medical conditions
Certain health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, can affect ocular blood circulation, increasing the risk of developing glaucoma.
5. Chronic stress
According to a review published in Klinische Monatsblätter für Augenheilkunde, chronic stress is not only a potential consequence of glaucoma but also a risk factor for its development.1
Researchers concluded that stress can contribute to glaucoma progression by triggering degenerative changes and increasing intraocular pressure in the eye.
6. Smoking
Various toxic substances in cigarette smoke can cause oxidative stress and vascular damage, which can impair blood flow to the eye and increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
7. Eye injuries
Trauma to the eye, such as punctures or bruising to the eye area, can lead to immediate glaucoma or increase the risk of secondary glaucoma in later life.
8. Other eye conditions
Eye conditions such as thin corneas, optic nerve sensitivity, or vascular issues that affect blood flow to the eye also contribute to the risk of glaucoma.
Signs of glaucoma
Glaucoma can progress unnoticed for many years, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, especially if you are at increased risk of glaucoma.
Here are common symptoms of glaucoma in more advanced stages:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision
- Halo-like appearances around lights
- Eye pain or redness
- Sudden blurred vision or blind spots
Certain types of glaucoma can present more abrupt symptoms and may require immediate medical attention.
According to an article published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, “Angle-closure glaucoma, although less common, is a medical emergency, and its symptoms include eye pain, nausea, and blurry vision.”2
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. This typically involves a variety of tests, including optical coherence tomography, pachymetry gonioscopy, an optic nerve assessment, and a visual field test.
These tests evaluate several glaucoma risk indicators, such as intraocular pressure, the drainage angle of the eye, optic nerve damage, peripheral vision, vision loss, and the thickness of the cornea.
Can glaucoma be stopped, reversed, or prevented?
Unfortunately, there are no conventional glaucoma treatments that can cure this eye disease and restore lost vision.
The primary goal of conventional methods is to treat glaucoma symptoms by lowering intraocular pressure, which can help preserve vision and slow disease progression.
6 potential natural remedies for glaucoma
There are several nutrients, dietary strategies, and lifestyle changes that promote eye health and may help manage glaucoma symptoms.
Here are six potential natural remedies for glaucoma.
1. Lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two potent dietary antioxidants that have been found to play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and may help lower the risk of glaucoma.
“Incorporating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect the retina from oxidative stress and support healthy vision,” explains Dr. Berg. ”By filtering harmful light and supporting retinal function, lutein and zeaxanthin may potentially reduce the risk of glaucoma-related damage.”
These eye-health supporting nutrients are primarily found in dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, as well as in yellow and orange vegetables like corn, squash, and bell peppers. Eggs are also a good source, particularly for zeaxanthin.
2. Zinc-rich foods
Zinc is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy vision by supporting the function of enzymes that protect the retina from oxidative stress.
In addition, zinc may help manage glaucoma by maintaining healthy intraocular pressure, as suggested by a report published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation.3
Foods rich in zinc include oysters, seafood, beef, pumpkin seeds, and spinach, all of which can support overall eye health and potentially help address glaucoma.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular aromatic spice and a rich source of curcumin, a bioactive compound that has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
A review published in Planta Medica highlights the therapeutic potential of curcumin in glaucoma management by helping to protect retinal ganglion cells from damage and reducing oxidative stress in the eye.4
Turmeric can be used in a variety of ways to support eye health, including adding it to curries, smoothies, or teas. Consuming turmeric with black pepper, which contains piperine, can enhance curcumin absorption, maximizing its potential benefits for ocular health.
4. Consuming a nutritious diet
Maintaining balanced nutrition can help support healthy vision and protect against the degenerative effects of glaucoma.
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens and berries may help protect retinal ganglion cells by reducing oxidative stress.
Research published in Nutrients revealed a significant association between dietary intake of antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins A and C and a reduced risk of developing POAG.5
Additionally, the authors highlight that obtaining these vitamins directly through foods such as liver, eggs, butter, cheese, peppers, carrots, and strawberries showed better results compared to taking supplements.
Moreover, reducing sugar intake can help prevent inflammation that can worsen glaucoma progression.
The average American adult consumes around 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily. This is nearly three times the amount recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA).6
As Dr. Berg explains, “High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to the accumulation of sorbitol in the lens of the eye. This causes inflammation, and reducing sugar intake is crucial to help prevent eye damage and glaucoma symptoms.”
5. Stress management
Extended exposure to the stress hormone cortisol can severely affect eye health, posing a substantial risk for developing various degenerative conditions, including glaucoma.
This underscores the importance of integrating stress management techniques such as deep breathing, stretching exercises, and ocular relaxation exercises.
By helping relieve stress, these practices can potentially reduce intraocular pressure and support eye health while providing broad benefits that can enhance general well-being and longevity.
6. Regular exercise
According to research published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, regularly engaging in moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, biking, swimming, or stretching, can help naturally lower intraocular pressure and improve ocular blood flow.7
It’s important to note that while these natural remedies may offer some benefits, they shouldn’t replace glaucoma treatment prescribed by an eye care professional without prior approval.
Glaucoma prevention
Maintaining overall health and well-being is one of the best ways to lower the risk of glaucoma and slow its progression.
Maintaining optimal nutritional status can play a critical role in preventing and mediating the effects of glaucoma.
Research published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science found that individuals with POAG had significantly lower plasma levels of vitamin B3 compared to those with no vision issues.8
It’s believed that inadequate vitamin B3 levels can contribute to impaired energy production in the eyes, highlighting the importance of regularly consuming vitamin B3-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, red meat, fish, and poultry.
Similarly, increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake by prioritizing the intake of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout can support healthy vision and may be an effective preventative measure.
Evidence published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research states, “Intriguingly, glaucoma patients have lower omega-3 fatty acid blood levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).“9
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are critical for visual development and retinal function. Both EPA and DHA also exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that may help protect against glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure and enhancing ocular blood flow.
Key takeaways
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease caused by optic nerve damage that can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Various natural remedies for glaucoma can help manage symptoms and slow down vision loss. These include foods rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, as well as turmeric, a popular aromatic spice rich in curcumin, a potent antioxidant compound.
In addition, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and addressing underlying health conditions can also help prevent or slow glaucoma progression.
FAQ
1. What is the best vitamin for glaucoma?
While no single vitamin can prevent or cure glaucoma, several nutrients can help mediate glaucoma symptoms and slow the progression of this eye disease.
These include B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
2. How do you stop glaucoma from progressing?
Early detection with regular eye examinations and proper management can help slow down or prevent further vision loss.
Natural prevention techniques include a nutritious diet, stress management, and regular exercise.
3. Is there an alternative to eye drops for glaucoma?
Increasing the intake of vitamin A and consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods can help improve dry eyes and may relieve intraocular pressure, which is typically managed with eye drops.
4. What should you not eat or drink if you have glaucoma?
Limiting sugar intake can help significantly decrease inflammation and vascular damage that can exacerbate the severity and progression of glaucoma.
Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid alcoholic drinks and limit caffeinated beverages as these can negatively affect intraocular pressure.
5. What are the best natural remedies for glaucoma?
Natural approaches to supporting eye health may include turmeric and foods rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, alongside a nutrient-dense diet high in vitamins A, C, D, and B vitamins.
In addition, regular exercise and stress management techniques can promote healthy eyes and improve glaucoma symptoms.
Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33578436/ ↩︎
- https://glaucoma.org/understanding-glaucoma ↩︎
- https://glaucoma.org/articles/zinc-in-the-retina-may-indicate-a-new-way-to-protect-and-regenerate-the-optic-nerve-in-glaucoma-patients ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24323538/ ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872777/ ↩︎
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much ↩︎
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9940524/ ↩︎
- https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2736058 ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37029593/ ↩︎
