Glaucoma Webinar
Learn what treatments work and why your current treatment might be ineffective and even dangerous to your health and vision.
Glaucoma is a serious disease and proper treatment is necessary to prevent vision loss. Lowering eye pressure by using drops, laser or surgery, in most cases, is not the best way to treat this disease. Learn why the focus of treatment needs to be on improving the health of the brain and optic nerve.
1) Learn the facts regarding an extensive study on Marijuana reported in the British Journal Of Ophthalmology. This could be the most amazing natural substance to treat glaucoma. It can lower pressure, balances the autonomic nervous system and has a neuro-protective, neuro-regenerative and an anti-inflammatory effect!
2) Learn about an Italian study that revealed a common nutritional substance called Citocholine that can have a marked neuro-protective effect and prevent vision loss in glaucoma
3) An ingredient in red beets causes vasodilation which improves blood flow to the optic nerve and it improves trabecular meshwork function which results in a lower intraocular pressure
4) An ingredient in Vietnamese soup can remove heavy metals that are toxic to the optic nerve and neurological tissues
5) Treating the neurological cell membrane is the key to prevent vision loss in glaucoma and in some cases treatment of the membrane can reverse years of vision loss. Learn the extensive research and innovative treatments being developed in cell membrane restoration.
6) Vitamins may backfire! A national study indicated that patients with a certain genotype actually had a increase risk of vision loss when taking certain vitamins! Learn how genetic testing can help you determine what vitamins are best for you.
7) How can microcurrent and light therapy can lower eye pressure and improve circulation?
What is the Disease Glaucoma and Treatment for it?
The disease Glaucoma and treatment for it is poorly understood. The disease is when 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.
Glaucoma symptoms and other treatments for the disease
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
Scientific Proof that Microcurrent can benefit glaucoma
MCS lowers eye pressure.
A study published by The-Ching Chu in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology Volume 18, Number 4, and 2002 Pages 293- 305 showed that electroacupuncture lowered the intraocular pressures in rabbits. The purpose of the study was to exam the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on intraocular pressure in rabbits. EA stimulation was performed through to acupuncture needles placed close to the sciatic nerve. The point is the location of GB-30 or gallbladder 30. This point was chosen because it offered greater precision in terms of needle placement. The placement of the needle in an acupuncture meridian was shown to be critical. Placement of needle in a non- acupuncture point area was not that effective in lowering the eye pressure. Electrical impulses were administered from 0.1 Hz to 3 Hz and current from .1 to 1 volt. After one hour of EA stimulation the intraocular pressure was decreased along with a lowering of blood pressure and aqueous humor flow rate. Pressure was reduced by as much as 9 mm Hg and lasted for more than 9 hours.
This study confirms my observation that MCS can lower the intraocular pressure, which is observed in patients after MCS treatment. I believe that a more important effect of the microcurrent is the increase in blood flow to the optic nerve. Most eye doctors will agree that the main destructive component in glaucoma is not an increase in eye pressure but a decrease in optic nerve circulation that makes the nerve susceptible to the variations in eye pressure.
Evidence that Microcurrent has a Neuro-protective effect in the treatment of glaucoma!
I have been using microcurrent since 1999 for the treatment of glaucoma. The mechanism of action is felt to be 3 fold; improving blood flow, stimulating cellular activity and reducing inflammation and scar tissue. Now there is research evidence that microcurrent has a protective effect on the optic nerve. Why is this important? The problem with glaucoma is not so much the pressure in the eye but the effect the pressure has on blood flow to the optic nerve. Patients with glaucoma have a compromised optic nerve. Elevations in pressure can cause the blood flow to the optic nerve to be reduced resulting in damage to the nerve and loss of vision. This is why microcurrent can be so beneficial to patients with glaucoma. It helps to increase blood flow, stimulates cellular activity and now there is evidence of a neuro-protective effect.
What supplements help reduce Glaucoma Symptoms?
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.
