Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma and How can I Treat It?
Glaucoma is a poorly understood disease in which the optic nerve
of the eye begins to lose its function. The optic nerve is the
transmitter of visual images from the eye to the brain. In the
early stages damage of the nerve results in loss of peripheral
vision; in later stages blindness may result. Abnormality in
the circulation of the optic nerve appears to be the reason for
damage to the optic nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure is felt
to be the main contributing factor, although there are patients
with glaucoma who have low or normal intraocular pressure. Other
factors which make the nerve more susceptible to damage are arteriosclerosis
and diabetes mellitus.
What other treatments are available?
Diet
You should shift your diet away from meats and dairy products
towards a largely vegetarian diet that includes cold water fish
and eggs. There is evidence that this type of diet will help
in weight reduction, reduce the risk of arteriosclerotic vascular
disease,lower blood pressure, reduce the incidence of diabetes
and improve blood flow to the eye.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce mean intraocular pressure
by 4.6 mm Hg when compared to previously sedentary glaucoma patients.
This has the same result as the pressure lowering properties
of glaucoma medication. If you do not have a regular exercise
program now is the time to start. You should begin slowly under
your physicians supervision. Begin with 10 to 15 minute several
times a week. This should gradually be increased to 30 minutes
of moderate exercise everyday. The ideal exercise will increase
your heart rate a small amount without producing undue fatigue.
General guidelines are to exercise at 60% of your maximum heart
rate. To calculate this number subtract your age from 220. This
number is your maximum heart rate. 60% of this number will be
your target heart rate.
During exercise be sure to monitor your heart rate. Example:
Let say your age is 60.
First calculate your maximum heart rate
220-60 is 160.
Next calculate your target heart rate
60% of 160 is 96
A heart rate of 96 is therefore your goal when you exercise.
Find something that you enjoy and remember to continue your
program. Brisk walking is a favorite activity of many people.
Other exercise to consider is swimming, aerobics, and cycling.
If you are physically limited consult with your doctor on other
activities.
Moderate exercise improves your cardiovascular system ,helps
keep off extra pounds, lowers cholesterol, reduces high blood
pressure and improves retinal circulation. Exercise also helps
to improve your mental outlook and reduces stress.
These factors are important in helping the body fight disease.This
is probably the best thing you will do for your health!
Coffee
Coffee should be reduced or eliminated. Studies have shown that
coffee can produce a 13% reduction in retinal blood flow. This
is especially important in patients that have existing retinal
damage and who are losing vision.
Smoking
If you smoke please do everything possible to stop. Some studies
show that there is a 2.9 increase in risk in developing glaucoma
in smokers. While smoking, each cigarette can raise the intraocular
pressure by 5.0 mm Hg or more. Nicotine has been shown to reduce
retinal blood flow by 16%. Tobacco also robs the body of 25 mg
of vitamin C per cigarette. Smokers have an increase in lipids
(both fat and cholesterol) which increases the risk of severe
cardiovascular disease. These factors produce narrowing of the
retina blood vessels that carry valuable nutrients to the eye.
Sunlight
UV and Blue Violet sun rays increase the risk of developing
free radicals. A good pair of sunglasses which block 100% of
UVA and UVB and block at least 85% of blue violet sun rays.
Hypothyroidism
If you have glaucoma it is important to have your thyroid checked.
Many cases of low tension glaucoma have been reported related
to low thyroid functioning. Hypothyroidism can lead to a condition
called myxedema which results in a buildup of mucopolysaccharides
throughout the body. Increase in mucopolysaccharides in the eye
may block the outflow of aqueous producing elevations of intraocular
pressure.
Reducing levels of Mucopolysaccharides
Proper thyroid functioning is important to prevent increase
levels of mucopolysaccharides. A high fiber diet, vitamins A
and C have also been shown to reduce these levels.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants may help improve outflow of fluid in the eye and
lower the intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork is the
drain of the eye. There have been some studies which have shown
that when the antioxidants are blocked the intraocular pressure
will be increased.
Antioxidants may also protect the optic nerve by blocking oxygen
free radical vasoconstriction which may lead to ischemia. Antioxidants
may also protect the optic nerve from the inflammatory affects
of infection and inflammation.
Recommended antioxidant vitamins include Vitamin E, C and Beta
carotene.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin 12 may have a protective effect on the optic nerve and
prevent visual loss in glaucoma. A Japanese study showed that
people who took 1500 mcg. had a much lower visual loss. It protects
the myelin sheath or covering around the optic nerve.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is associated with systemic hypertension.
It may have a role in blocking the affect of calcium which causes
vasoconstriction of blood vessels. The use of magnesium has been
shown to improve retinal circulation in some cases of retinopathy.
Physical or emotional stress also causes an increase in the need
for magnesium. Magnesium is found in most foods, especially dairy
products, fish, meat, and seafood. Other rich foods include apples,
apricots, avocados, bananas, black strap molasses, brewer's yeast,
brown rice, cantaloupe, figs, garlic, grapefruit, green leafy
vegetables, kelp, lemons, lima beans, millet, peaches, black-eyed
peas, salmon, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, watercress, wheat,
and whole grains.
Selenium
It is a vital antioxidant which protects the immune system by
preventing the formation of free radicals. It is especially important
to combine Selenium with Vitamin E. They act together to aid
in the production of antibodies and to help maintain a healthy
heart, liver and eyes.
Selenium is found in meat and grains. Since the content of Selenium
is very low on much of American farm soil there has been a marked
reduction in the levels found in meat and grains.
Chromium
Studies have shown that Chromium will lower lipid levels in
the body and increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Chromium
may be especially important in patients taking beta blockers.
Timoptic has been shown to increase the levels of lipids and
lower the levels of HDL. All individuals who are taking Timoptic
should consider supplemental Chromium.
Amino Acids
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that protects retinal
cells from UV radiation. N- acetyl cysteine, selenium and riboflavin
all help to stimulate the production of glutathione.
Fatty Acids
Diets deficient in Omega- 3 fatty acids have been shown to result
in visual impairment. In one European study Omega- 3 fats improved
the vision in 6 out of 7 patients with macular degeneration.
Quercetin
A Bioflavinoid found in red onions has been shown to be potent
in preventing the damage of fat tissue in the eyes from UV light.
It also inhibits histamine release and relaxes the smooth muscles
of blood vessels. It has a strong affinity for iron. Reducing
this oxidant may reduce the oxidative stress of the body.
Bilberry
Interest developed in this European plant, when World War II
British Air Force pilots reported improved night vision after
taking Bilberry. It is now used in Europe for many eye disorders
including cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinitis
pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. It contains anthocyanosides
which have been shown to stabilize collagen, increase intracellular
Vitamin C levels and decrease capillary fragility. Studies have
also shown a decrease in platelet aggregation (similar affect
as aspirin) and a reduction in blood sugar. Bilberry may improve
oxygen delivery to the eye and act as an antioxidant. Bilberry
may have a protective effect on the eye and prevent further damage
from the glaucoma.
Ginkgo Biloba
It is tree that lives as long as 1000 years. Originally found
in China, it was imported into the United States in 1784. The
Ginkgo leaf extracts are now among the leading prescription medications
in both Germany and France. Ginkgo's primary clinical application
has been in the treatment of vascular insufficiency. Many studies
have demonstrated improvement in circulation in patients with
arterial insufficiency. In addition to improving retinal circulation,
Ginkgo also has a protective affect against free radicals. One
study has shown that a combination of ginko biloba and zinc may
slow the progression of visual loss.
Coleus Forskohlii
It is an extract from the Coleus , a variety of the mint plant.
It has been used by Hindu practitioners for the treatment of
cardiac disease, asthma and high blood pressure. It relaxes smooth
muscles and produces vasodilatation of blood vessels. It has
been reported is several studies to lower the intraocular pressure
in patients with glaucoma. Forskohliin was an experiment eye
drop found to reduce eye pressure. It was abandoned because the
eye drops produced a milky covering over the eye. This side affect
is eliminated by taking the Herb orally.
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