Glaucoma causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve, and increases pressure inside the eye, leading to a loss of vision. Glaucoma is commonly treated with eye drops, oral medication, laser surgery, or a combination of the three. However, you may also be aware of glaucoma natural remedies, which are said to help improve your condition.
Anyone can be affected by glaucoma, but it is most common in adults in their ‘70s and ‘80s. If you are elderly and suffering from glaucoma, you may not wish to undergo surgery, even if it is minimally invasive, and instead look at ways to treat glaucoma naturally.
What are common glaucoma natural remedies?
The most common natural remedies for glaucoma include:
Exercising. Regular participation in activities that increase your heart rate can help to improve blood flow to the eye, leading to a reduction of pressure. However, exercise is often suggested as a beneficial treatment alongside medical therapy.
Alternative natural medication. Herbal remedies, such as bilberry extract, are often marketed as a method to treat glaucoma naturally. Always speak with a medical professional before taking any supplements, especially if you take prescription medication.
Eating a healthy diet. Although this won’t prevent your glaucoma from worsening, if you are consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, your overall eye health will improve. Limiting your caffeine should prevent an increase in eye pressure.
Relaxation therapies. As stress is a common cause of increased eye pressure, relaxation therapies such as yoga and meditation are popular glaucoma natural remedies. These activities lower the stress hormone cortisol, which can help to prevent excessive eye pressure. However, as with exercise, relaxation therapies are often advised to be practiced alongside other prescribed treatments.
Can you effectively treat glaucoma naturally?
While all the above glaucoma natural remedies work toward lessening the severity of your condition, they are far more effective as preventatives of the disease. This means they are useful to someone who doesn’t have glaucoma and wants to prevent an onset of the condition, than someone who is already showing symptoms.
Realistically, there is no proven method of treating glaucoma entirely naturally, and to do so would be putting your health- and your eyesight- at risk. The most effective glaucoma treatments are prescribed by a professional in the industry. If you would rather not undergo surgery, it is still worth scheduling an appointment with an eye specialist for advice and non-surgical treatment suggestions.