How to Treat Glaucoma

With the facts about glaucoma, you can take charge of your health with a few adjustments to your routine. Caring for your eyes may include medication, surgery, or a combination of glaucoma treatments.

The Future of Virtual Reality Visual Field Testing

The future of Virtual Reality-based visual field testing is bright. Virtual Reality (VR) visual field tests may soon become an important assessment tool in glaucoma management. Read More »

Section Highlights:

• What to Expect on Your Next Eye Doctor Visit during the COVID-19 Pandemic – Questions and Answers
• If You Have Been Diagnosed with Glaucoma
• New Medication Delivery Systems for Glaucoma
• Q&A: New Medications for Glaucoma

Glaucoma Medication

Carefully follow your medication regimen to preserve a healthy eye pressure and prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma Surgery

Depending on the severity of glaucoma, laser treatment or incisional surgery may be necessary.

Support Resources

There are a variety of organizations offering additional information and even financial support.

Working With Your Doctor

A good relationship with your eye doctor is the foundation of effective glaucoma treatment.

Personal Story

Dolores implores all artists and designers to make an appointment for an eye exam.

Catalyst for a Cure: A Clear Path to Vision Restoration

Currently, all therapy for glaucoma is directed at lowering eye pressure, but the fundamental problem in glaucoma is the degeneration of the optic nerve fibers necessary for vision.

• Alternative Medicine
• Eye Drop Tips
• Financial Assistance
• Find an Eye Doctor
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Living With Glaucoma
• Low Vision Resources
• Medication Guide
• Resources on the Web
• » See All Articles

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As marijuana use becomes more accepted and increasingly legalized, glaucoma patients have questions about its effectiveness as a viable treatment option.

Marijuana has been legalized for medical use in 30 US states and for recreational use in 9 US States. It is classified by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule I controlled substance (the same category as heroin and LSD ). Nevertheless, perceptions and attitudes regarding marijuana use continue to evolve, with increasing interest in its therapeutic potential.

Ability to Lower Intraocular Pressure

Marijuana’s ability to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) was discovered in the 1970s. Elevated IOP is the major risk factor for glaucoma and lowering IOP is currently the only treatment. Doctors and scientists have wondered whether marijuana could be used as a therapy to lower IOP and prevent the progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma patients also are interested to know whether marijuana can be used to treat glaucoma.

While marijuana does lower IOP, it has major drawbacks as a treatment for a chronic, long-term, disease like glaucoma. First, in contrast to conventional glaucoma eyedrops (some of which are effective for up to 24 hours), smoking THC reduces eye pressure for only 3-4 hours. To control IOP would require 8-10 doses of marijuana per day. This would not only cost more than typical glaucoma treatment, but the physical and mental side-effects of frequent marijuana use would prevent functioning productively. For example, while users may enjoy its euphoric effects, marijuana also impairs judgment and coordination, increases paranoia, elevates heart rate, and irritates the eyes.

Long-term Safety Concerns

Concerns also exist regarding the long-term safety of marijuana use, due to its associations with permanent lung damage when smoked, and possible permanent adverse effects on cognition and mental health. With regular use, tolerance to the eye pressure-lowering effects develops, meaning that increasing drug levels would be required to prevent progression of glaucoma. Finally, lack of regulation and quality control makes efficacy and safety of marijuana unpredictable. Research efforts to develop THC eyedrops that can effectively lower eye pressure while minimizing side effects are underway but have not yet been successful.

For these reasons, while marijuana does lower eye pressure, it is not recommended as a medical treatment for glaucoma. If you use marijuana, let your eye doctor know since it may have an impact on your eye pressure readings. Also, it is very important to continue your current glaucoma therapy and regular monitoring as recommended by your eye doctor.
—

Article by Kathryn E. Bollinger, MD and Kevin M. Halenda, MD.

Kathryn E. Bollinger, MD is a glaucoma specialist and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology within the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Her research focuses on development of novel neuroprotective treatments for glaucoma.

Kevin M. Halenda, MD is a second-year ophthalmology resident at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. He is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and Princeton University.

Last reviewed on October 01, 2020

This article appeared in the January 2019 issue of Gleams.

Articles On Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma Treatments

Glaucoma Treatments – Which Medicines Treat Glaucoma?

• How Is Glaucoma Treated?
• Medicines
• How to Slow Progression
• Do I Need Surgery?

If you have glaucoma, regular checkups and following your treatment plan can help slow or prevent vision problems.

The focus of glaucoma treatment is to lower the pressure in your eye to protect your optic nerve. To do that, your doctor might suggest you take eye drops or pills.

Eye Drops

Glaucoma treatment most often starts with these. They’re used to help the fluid in your eyes drain better. In some cases, they can also reduce the amount of fluid your eyes make.

There are several different types:

Prostaglandin analogs: These increase the amount of fluid that drains from your eyes. They also ease the pressure inside your eye.

Side effects might include:

• Changes inВ eyelid skinВ color
• Blurred vision
• Stinging
• Redness
• Itching

Examples of this type of drop include:

• Bimatoprost (Lumigan)
• Latanoprost (Xalatan)
• Tafluprost (Zioptan)
• Travoprost (Travatan Z)

Beta blockers: These lower the amount of fluid your eye makes. That will lower the pressure.

Possible side effects include:

Examples of these drops include:

Alpha-adrenergic agonists — These drops help with drainage, like prostaglandin analogs do. They also lessen the amount of fluid your eye makes.

Side effects could include:

• Burning or stinging
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Irregular heart rate
• Dry mouth

Examples of these drops include:

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: These are rarely used to treat glaucoma. They ease eye pressure because they curb the production of fluid in your eye.

Possible side effects include:

• Stinging and burning eyes
• Bitter taste
• Blurred vision

Combined medications: Sometimes you’ll be given two types of drops. It can save you time and sometimes money. Side effects depend on the medicines in the drops.

• Timolol and dorzolamide (Cosopt)
• Brimonidline and timolol (Combigan)
• Brimonidine and brinzolamide (Simbrinza)

Cholinergic agents — Rarely used for glaucoma, these drops help your eye make more fluid. They also help your eye drain more liquid by making your pupil smaller.

Side effects can include:

• Blurred or dimmed vision
• Nearsightedness

Examples include pilocarpine (Carpine, Isopto).

Continued

Pills

If eye drops don’t bring down the pressure in your eyes, your doctor may go this route.

Most often, these are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. They ease pressure by slowing production of fluid in your eyes.

Examples of these meds include:

You could have side effects like:

• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Memory issues
• Need to pee more
• Tingling in your hands and feet

Whether your doctor suggests eye drops or pills for your glaucoma, it’s important that you take your medicine regularly. Because glaucoma has no symptoms, it can be easy to forget your meds.

Still, drops or pills are key to controlling your eye pressure and keeping your vision.

Sources

MayoClinic: “Glaucoma: Treatment and drugs.”

Glaucoma Research Foundation: “Glaucoma Medications and their Side Effects.”

National Eye Institute: “Glaucoma: How can it be treated?”

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Glaucoma Drops: Rx for Success, or Trouble?”

In 1971, a study looked at marijuana’s effects on eye pressure, which is a symptom of glaucoma. Youthful subjects were given eye examinations right before and one hour after smoking a marijuana cigarette.

The study , published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found a 30 percent decrease in eye pressure among a large number of study participants after smoking marijuana. As encouraging as that may sound, the studydidn’t address all aspects of this potential treatment.

Since then, it’s become common knowledge that marijuana has an effect on glaucoma. But is this really true?

In this article, we’ll weigh the potential benefits and risks of using marijuana and marijuana-based products as treatments for glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss over time.

Each eye has one optic nerve. The job of the optic nerves is to carry information from the eyes to the brain.

In people with glaucoma, these nerves can become damaged by fluid buildup within the eye. Because it can’t drain out, the excess fluid increases eye pressure. When left untreated, blindness may result.

Decreased eye pressure

Glaucoma is controlled by reducing eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure.

Research funded by the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, found that smoking marijuana does temporarily reduce eye pressure. It also found that intraocular pressure could be lowered by taking tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient in marijuana, by injection or pill.

The research also showed that this benefit is temporary at best and may cause low blood pressure. As well, doses are harder to manage compared to standard treatments.

Possible alternative to traditional treatments

Optic nerve damage is permanent. For that reason, keeping eye pressure consistently low is important.

Marijuana use doesn’t maintain consistent eye pressure. But many traditional treatments for glaucoma do maintain eye pressure effectively. These include eye drops, laser surgery, and other surgeries. People who carefully manage their glaucoma maintain their eyesight.

However, glaucoma can sometimes be tricky to treat. Some have a difficult time finding medication to reduce eye pressure significantly. Others have side effects or allergic reactions to the medications they are prescribed. There may be a lot of trial and error required before an effective treatment is found. It’s best to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations.

Some people with end-stage glaucoma may find that marijuana reduces their anxiety or depression. Marijuana may be a preferred alternative to taking prescription anxiety medications.

Lower cost

In states where marijuana is legal, the cost of marijuana varies and depends on several factors. Synthetic medical marijuana pills, such as Marinol, aren’t FDA-approved for the treatment of glaucoma. Talk to your doctor about using this drug before you start taking it as it may interfere with medications.

Marinol won’t be covered by your health insurance plan for glaucoma. The price and quality of marijuana available to purchase will also vary widely. Where you live, the laws governing the sale of marijuana there, and who you purchase it from can all be factors.

Cristian Zanartu, MD, is a licensed board-certified internist who has worked for over five years in pain and palliative medicine.

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Many people are wondering about the possible use of marijuana instead of eye drops to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the nerve cable that connects the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can cause significant vision loss and even blindness. Most types of glaucoma coexist with high pressure inside the eye.   Limited research has shown that marijuana could potentially treat glaucoma because of its ability to lower the pressure in the eye.

Traditional Treatments

An eye doctor’s main goal in the treatment of glaucoma is to lower eye pressure to a safe level in order to halt damage caused by the high-pressure levels. Treatment typically includes prescribing medications, using laser treatments, or surgery.  

Most glaucoma patients are treated with topical medication eye drops that lower the pressure in the eye to a level where the glaucoma does not progress. Unfortunately, some people do not tolerate daily eye drops very well and additional glaucoma therapies are sought.

Marijuana’s Effect on Glaucoma

As several more states attempt to legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal uses, it has become a hot topic for glaucoma patients as some studies have shown that smoking marijuana can lower eye pressure, both generally and in people that suffer from glaucoma. People who cannot tolerate typical glaucoma medications might be able to use marijuana to effectively lower their eye pressure.  

Downsides of Smoking Marijuana

Scientists have found that marijuana does lower eye pressure but the effects only last for 3 or 4 hours.   This means that to lower eye pressure adequately, marijuana would have to be smoked every 3 hours.

Because marijuana causes mood-altering effects, smoking it every 3-4 hours would be impossible for people who drive for a living, operate heavy machinery, or have jobs that require close attention to detail.

Also of great concern is that marijuana cigarettes contain chemical compounds that can damage the lungs similar to regular tobacco cigarette smoking. Studies also show that chronic use of marijuana can have unwanted and sometimes permanent effects on brain function.  

Marijuana Eye Drops

If the harmful effects of marijuana are mainly caused by inhalation, could doctors administer the active ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), in a different way? Scientists have conducted studies in which patients ingested THC through oral (by mouth) or sublingual (under the tongue) methods and also in topical eye drops.

Although oral or sublingual methods avoid lung problems, they have other unwanted side effects. Because glaucoma is a chronic disease, unwanted systemic side effects make THC a poor option for treatment.  

While eye drops sound like the most logical method of taking the drug, THC is not very water-soluble. As a result, it has been difficult to develop an eye drop with high enough concentrations of THC to be effective.

Negative Effects

If oral THC could be tolerated, more long-term studies are needed to make sure that it will not worsen glaucoma. Research has shown that some glaucoma is worsened by a lack of proper blood flow to the optic nerve.   Marijuana actually reduces blood pressure so it is possible that marijuana could worsen the glaucoma by making the optic nerve receive less blood flow.

On the other hand, recent research shows that marijuana may not only treat glaucoma by reducing eye pressure, but it may also act on certain receptors to provide a type of neuro-protection against damage to the optic nerve.   This would treat glaucoma in a different way, and it is worth conducting further studies.

Until then, researchers are focusing on a better way to make a THC formulation that people can tolerate and that will have a longer duration of action. For now, glaucoma patients should stick with doctor recommended traditional glaucoma medications.

About Glaucoma: A condition of increased fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). This increased pressure damages the optic nerve causing partial vision loss, with blindness as a possible, eventual outcome.

Drugs Used to Treat Glaucoma

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Generic name: brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic

Generic name: acetazolamide systemic

Brand names: Diamox, Diamox Sequels

Generic name: brimonidine / timolol ophthalmic

Brand name: Combigan

Generic name: acetazolamide systemic

Generic name: pilocarpine ophthalmic

Brand names: Pilocar, Isopto Carpine

Generic name: methazolamide systemic

Generic name: nadolol systemic

Generic name: nadolol systemic

Brand name: Corgard

Generic name: pilocarpine ophthalmic

Generic name: acetazolamide systemic

Generic name: pilocarpine ophthalmic

Generic name: apraclonidine ophthalmic

Generic name: carbachol ophthalmic

Brand names: Miostat, Isopto Carbachol

Generic name: carbachol ophthalmic

Generic name: mitomycin ophthalmic

Brand name: Mitosol

For consumers: dosage,

Generic name: mitomycin ophthalmic

Generic name: echothiophate iodide ophthalmic

Generic name: echothiophate iodide ophthalmic

Brand name: Phospholine Iodide

Generic name: carbachol ophthalmic

Topics under Glaucoma

• Glaucoma, Narrow Angle (3 drugs)

• Glaucoma, Open Angle (44 drugs)

• Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension (6 drugs)

Learn more about Glaucoma

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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2020.

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What is it?

• Laser surgery is a treatment to help control glaucoma (glaw-KO-muh). You may need it if your glaucoma medicines are not helping to keep your eye pressure low enough. You may also have it as a first treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease. A clear fluid flows through passages inside your eye all the time. With glaucoma, these passages get clogged or blocked. When this happens, fluid in your eye builds up and causes too much pressure inside the eye. Too much pressure against the optic nerve can lead to damage and loss of your vision (sight).
• Laser surgery uses a tiny, powerful light beam to help your eye drain fluid more easily. By making holes or shrinking clogged areas of the eye, laser surgery can help decrease your eye pressure. Glaucoma laser surgery is usually done at a doctor’s office or outpatient surgery clinic. One or both eyes may be done. You should be able to see right after the surgery. Your eyes may feel itchy or “gritty” and swollen, but these feelings should go away in 1 or 2 days. You may be sensitive to light and have slightly blurred vision as your eyes heal. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for your eye pressure to decrease as much as it should after surgery. You may need to take glaucoma medicines even after your laser surgery.
  

Can laser surgery help the type of glaucoma I have?

Laser surgery may not work for every kind of glaucoma. Your eye doctor will do eye tests to learn about your glaucoma. Your doctor may use several kinds of treatments to control it. Treatments may include special eye drops, pills, and laser surgery. Any vision you have lost because of glaucoma will not return, even after laser surgery. The pressure decreasing results of laser surgery vary from person to person. Laser surgery may help control your eye pressure for a period of time, then wear off slowly over time. The following things affect how successful your laser surgery may be:

• Your age.
• How your eye is built, and the type of glaucoma you have.
• If you have had glaucoma laser surgery before.
• If you have other diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

What happens during laser surgery?

You will be given eye drops to numb your eyes. You will sit in a chair in front of a slit lamp. The laser machine is attached to the slit lamp. Your doctor may use a face holder to help keep your head still during surgery. Your doctor will put a special contact lens on your eye to aim the laser on the areas to be treated. During the treatment, you will see flashes of colored light. Laser surgery may be done one time, and then again at a later date. You may have one of the following types of laser surgery:

• Laser Trabeculoplasty (truh-BEK-u-lo-plas-tee): This is usually done to treat open-angle glaucoma. Your doctor aims the laser at your trabecular (truh-BEK-u-ler) meshwork. The trabecular meshwork is the place where fluid drains out of your eye. It is located where the iris (colored part) and the cornea (clear “skin” of the eye) meet. Your doctor will point the laser at 50 to 100 spots on the trabecular meshwork. The laser opens clogged areas and helps eye fluid drain out more easily.
• Laser Iridotomy (ear-ih-DAH-tuh-me): This is usually done to treat angle-closure glaucoma. Your doctor will give you eyedrops to constrict (make very small) your pupil. The pupil is the black dot in the middle of your eye. Your doctor will use the laser to make a tiny hole in your iris. This will allow fluid to pass from behind your iris to the trabecular meshwork. Then fluid can drain out of your eye and help decrease your eye pressure.
• Cyclophotocoagulation (CY-klo-FO-toe-co-ag-u-LA-shun): This is usually done to treat people with severe glaucoma that cannot be controlled by medicines or surgeries. Your eye doctor aims the laser at the white part of the eye (sclera). The laser goes through the sclera to the ciliary (SIL-e-air-e) body. The ciliary body is the part of the eye that makes the eye fluid. The laser damages parts of the ciliary body so that it will make less eye fluid.

Support:

Contact the following organizations for more information about glaucoma and laser surgery:

• Glaucoma Research Foundation
  251 Post St, Ste 600
  San Francisco , CA 94108
  Phone: 1- 415 – 986-3162
  Web Address:

• International Glaucoma Association
  15 Highpoint Business Village
  Henwood Ashford, Kent , TN24 8DH
  Web Address:

• The Glaucoma Foundation
  80 Maiden Lane, Ste 1206
  New York City , NY 10038
  Phone: 1- 212 – 285-0080
  Web Address:

• Prevent Blindness America
  211 W. Wacker Dr, Ste 1700
  Chicago , IL 60606
  Phone: 1- 800 – 331-2020
  Web Address:

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User’s use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

How can you reduce the pressure in your eyes as an effective and natural way of glaucoma cure? Stop the progression of permanent blindness and cure glaucoma naturally. Increase your knowledge about the factors that affect the optic nerve. In this article, we’ll be sharing ideas for natural treatments for glaucoma.

Natural Glaucoma Cure | Alternative Treatment for Glaucoma

In this article:

Blood Pressure and Glaucoma

Blood flow is a key factor in the development of glaucoma. It is the lack of blood flow to the optic nerve that tends to lead to glaucoma. Lesser blood flow means fewer nutrients and oxygen are being brought to the area. The lack of blood flow also makes it hard to determine blood pressure through monitoring.

Patients with normal blood pressure can still lose their sight to glaucoma. A study found that sleeping may cause a drop in blood pressure. Some doctors recommend consuming a bit of salty food before sleeping to counteract the drop.

High blood pressure is not caused by intraocular pressure. High blood pressure is the failure of blood to enter the capillaries. Without a good flow of blood, the optic nerve will not function at its best, it will be unable to process blood, oxygen, and other nutrients. This can cause the optic nerve to deteriorate over time.

Spinal Cord Fluid

The spinal cord fluid is also related to glaucoma. Glaucoma patients lack spinal fluid as compared to others who don’t have the eye problem.

Glaucoma, Allergies, and Free Radicals

Certain allergies may contribute to the occurrence of glaucoma. Moreover, this happens due to the way free radicals damage neurons in the eye. The more free radicals you are exposed to, the more likely you are subject to damage. Consume more antioxidants to decrease the number of free radicals in your system and prevent causes of glaucoma. These include leafy greens, fruits, and berries.

Melatonin, Serotonin, and Ginkgo Biloba

Melatonin and serotonin are hormones that the brain regulates. These hormones affect how the optic nerve functions. Dysfunctional melatonin and serotonin may result in glaucoma due to imbalanced sleeping patterns.

Ginkgo biloba is a natural cure for glaucoma. It thins the blood and prevents the blockage of capillaries. This would then allow more blood to flow into the eye. It lowers eye pressure and decreases the risk of developing glaucoma.

How to Improve Circulation for Glaucoma Treatment

One of the best ways to improve circulation is regular aerobic exercise. This is an effective way to reduce the pressure in your eyes. Exercise also helps increase your body’s oxygen levels and blood circulation.

If you have exfoliation and pigmentary glaucoma, strenuous activities are not recommended. Loose particles from this eye condition may get into the trabecular meshwork. Try lower-impact activities like walking instead.

Have a better understanding of the causes and treatment of Glaucoma in this video by Dr Eric Berg DC:

It is good to explore options for a natural glaucoma cure as well as prevention methods. Being aware of these things can save you from glaucoma. Consider the treatments we mentioned should you begin to experience symptoms of glaucoma.

Did we miss out a natural remedy for glaucoma you know of? Please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.

Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on March 4, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

What Is Closed-Angle Glaucoma?

Closed-angle glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside of your eye becomes too high. There are a number of diseases that fall under the heading “glaucoma.” Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition and it accounts for around 90 percent of all cases of glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma is much less common. If left untreated, all types of glaucoma may cause damage to your optic nerve (and ultimately blindness), which is the nerve that transmits visual information to your brain.

If you have closed-angle glaucoma, pressure builds because fluid is not flowing out of your eye as it should. Fluid is produced in the rear chamber of your eye, behind the iris. This fluid normally flows through your pupil into the front chamber of the eyeball. The fluid then goes through a series of channels called the trabecular meshwork and into the veins of the sclera (the white of your eye).

In closed-angle glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork is obstructed or damaged. The fluid can’t flow as easily through this drainage pathway, or is completely blocked. This fluid backup increases pressure within your eyeball.

Closed-angle glaucoma can be divided into two main types.

Primary Closed-Angle Glaucoma

In primary closed-angle glaucoma, the structure of the eye makes it more likely that the iris will become pressed against the trabecular meshwork. This could be because:

• the angle between the iris and cornea is very narrow
• the eyeball is relatively short as measured from front to back
• the lens inside the eye is thick
• the iris is thin

Secondary Closed-Angle Glaucoma

In secondary closed-angle glaucoma, an underlying condition causes changes in your eye that force the iris against the trabecular meshwork. These underlying conditions may include:

• eye injury
• inflammation
• diabetes
• tumor
• advanced cataract (clouding of the eye’s lens)

Closed-angle glaucoma can also be described as acute or chronic. Acute cases are more common and occur suddenly. Chronic closed-angle glaucoma develops gradually, making the symptoms harder to spot.

Your risk for closed-angle glaucoma is greater if you:

• are older than 40 years of age, especially if you are between 60 and 70 years old
• are farsighted
• are female
• have a brother, sister, or parent with the disease
• are of Southeast Asian or Alaska Native origin

If you have the acute form of the condition, you will likely experience a sudden onset of one or more of the following symptoms:

• severe eye pain that comes on suddenly
• blurred vision
• bright halos appearing around objects
• eye redness, tenderness, and hardness
• feeling nauseated and vomiting

The attack may occur when your pupils are moderately dilated — for example, when you are in a darkened room, when you are under stress, or after taking certain drugs.

If you do experience any of these symptoms, you should call 911 or visit an emergency room right away. Acute closed-angle glaucoma is an emergency.

Symptoms of chronic closed-angle glaucoma are subtler. You may not notice any changes, or, if the condition progresses, you may realize that your sight is deteriorating and that you are losing the edges of your field of vision. Occasionally, some people experience eye pain and redness, but not as severely as in acute closed-angle glaucoma.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your condition, examine your eyes, and measure your eye pressure. No special tests are needed. If treated urgently, your eye can recover. Acute cases of closed-angle glaucoma are emergencies and you should go to the hospital as quickly as possible. You could lose your sight if you delay treatment.

By Anna Barden; reviewed by Gary Heiting, OD

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can cause permanent vision loss. The disease often has no warning signs, and if left undetected and untreated, it can lead to blindness.

In most cases, glaucoma is caused by too much pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP), which damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss.

As soon as glaucoma is found, patients should follow their eye doctor’s glaucoma treatment recommendations to slow or prevent vision loss.

Natural remedies for glaucoma

Although there is no cure for glaucoma, there are some natural health and wellness tips that might help your eyes respond as well as possible to medical treatment. Natural remedies for glaucoma are not enough to treat the condition on their own and will not cure the disease, but they may be a good supplement to prescribed treatment.

Be aware of “fast fixes” and so-called miracle remedies for glaucoma you may find online. Always speak to your eye care specialist before beginning a new regimen that could affect your condition or your health, or interact with your current treatment.

From incorporating certain foods and nutrients into your diet to ending unhealthy habits, there are several ways to implement drug-free, natural “remedies” to complement your glaucoma treatment.

Adopt a healthy diet for glaucoma

Good nutrition has been shown to play a role in eye health and may even slow the progression of conditions such as glaucoma.

Recent studies suggest that certain vitamins and nutrients may have an impact on IOP and the incidence and progression of glaucoma. In particular, fruits and vegetables that are higher in vitamins A and C, as well as carotenoids, appear to be helpful.

For this reason, some of the most important vegetables to incorporate into your diet include leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, kale and Brussels sprouts.

Antioxidants also may help prevent further damage to the optic nerve. You can find antioxidants in foods like cranberries, black and green teas, flax seeds, pomegranates, and acai berries.

Other foods like peaches, carrots, beets, green beans, and radishes are important to include in your fruit and vegetable intake as well. Experts warn against drinking too much coffee and caffeinated beverages, however, as caffeine may increase eye pressure.

Exercise regularly to promote healthy IOP

Moderate exercise can help you maintain healthy IOP levels. This is because exercise improves blood flow to your eyes and throughout the rest of your body. Vigorous exercise, on the other hand, can elevate IOP, so don’t overdo it.

Some yoga positions can also contribute to a higher IOP, which is not good for glaucoma patients. If you have glaucoma and practice yoga, be sure to avoid poses such as headstands and prolonged downward-facing dog, legs up the wall, plow and standing forward bends.

Natural supplements for glaucoma

If you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, natural and over-the-counter supplements can be taken to restore it, including:

Vitamins A, B-complex, C and E

All are particularly important for those with glaucoma. If you feel that your nutrition intake is inadequate, taking a daily multivitamin can help.

However, it’s important to remember that vitamin supplements are not clinically proven to prevent or cure glaucoma. Always check with your doctor before taking any kind of medication or supplements to treat your glaucoma, even if you are considering natural products.

Herbs for glaucoma

Certain herbs are believed to aid in glaucoma treatments. Specifically, ginkgo, bilberry, and forskolin may have some benefits. Benefits of these herbal remedies for glaucoma include:

Ginkgo (ginkgo biloba): In some scientific models, this herb has shown an increase in ocular blood flow.

Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus): Bilberry is popular thanks to its strong antioxidant nature. One study showed that bilberry decreased retinal ganglion cell damage in mice, but there have been no studies showing such an effect in humans.

Forskolin (coleus forskohlii): This herb may lower IOP when applied topically by reducing the rate of aqueous fluid within the eye.

Medical marijuana (cannabis): Some studies suggest that marijuana may temporarily lower IOP, but only with frequent use, which can lead to potentially dangerous side effects.

It is important to note that while these herbs have shown promise in some studies, they are not clinically proven treatments for glaucoma. Some herbs may even have harmful effects or negative interactions with other medications, so check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies for glaucoma. And never replace doctor-prescribed or -recommended treatments with herbal remedies.

Natural prevention of glaucoma

If you are at risk for glaucoma, there may be certain everyday habits that you can start or stop to lower your risk of a diagnosis. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising moderately, consider incorporating the following into your lifestyle:

Maintain a healthy weight. Both high and low body mass indexes (BMIs) can increase the risk of glaucoma.

Consider meditation. Stress appears to increase a person’s risk of high IOP. Some research has shown meditation can help reduce eye pressure if practiced regularly.

Practice good dental hygiene and see a dentist on a regular basis. Some research has shown that periodontal (gum) disease is associated with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Get screened for glaucoma. This is especially important if you have a family history of the disease.

SEE RELATED: Glaucoma FAQ

Consult your eye doctor

Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, so it’s critical that the disease is detected early and managed properly. Dietary supplements and healthy lifestyle changes may be useful to complement conventional glaucoma treatments — but natural glaucoma “remedies” should not be used as an alternative to glaucoma treatment prescribed by your eye doctor.

Be sure to discuss any natural remedies for glaucoma with your eye doctor before you consider taking them. Some might actually interact with your medications, which could be harmful.

REGULAR EYE EXAMS ARE VITAL FOR EVERYONE, particularly for those who have been diagnosed with or are at higher risk of getting glaucoma, so don’t wait to schedule routine exams with an eye doctor near you.

Results of the LiGHT Clinical Trial

In newly diagnosed glaucoma or ocular hypertension that requires treatment, each person and their ophthalmologist must decide whether to start with medications or perform laser therapy first. Prior to the LiGHT study ( L aser i n G laucoma and Ocular H yper T ension) the field viewed both treatments as appropriate first steps, but more commonly people were started on medications first.

The Challenges Associated with Using Glaucoma Medications

Medications, however, can cause multiple issues. Glaucoma drops commonly have side effects that affect vision, eye comfort, and sometimes the rest of the body. Furthermore, the effectiveness of glaucoma drops is highly dependent on the person’s ability to use them with great consistency and routine, and they are taken for one’s entire life. Finally, glaucoma medications can be expensive as they are a recurring cost, which is sometimes inconsistent, as drug shortages and complex pricing structures are passed along to the consumer.

The LiGHT Clinical Trial

Who was Enrolled in the LiGHT Trial?

The LiGHT trial enrolled 718 people with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, with 50 percent randomly selected to undergo selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and 50 percent randomly selected to receive glaucoma eye drops.

What Were the Results of the LiGHT Trial?

At three years, 74 percent of the people who had SLT did not require additional eye drops to maintain their target eye pressures. In addition, those who had undergone SLT were more likely to be within their target eye pressure at clinic visits compared to people who were treated with eye drops, although both groups did well (greater than 90 percent of visits with eye pressures were within the target range). No person who had undergone SLT first required additional glaucoma surgery during the duration of the study, whereas 11 people on eye drops required additional glaucoma surgery to achieve target eye pressure.

What do the LiGHT Trial Results Suggest for Glaucoma Treatment?

Overall, the LiGHT study suggests that laser therapy is an appropriate choice as the first treatment for newly diagnosed glaucoma or ocular hypertension. For many people, it can free them from having to use eye drops, which can have a positive impact on quality of life (although the study did not find any differences in measured quality of life between the laser vs. eye drop groups).

Certainly, a single 15-minute laser treatment done in the office that is pain-free can be a very attractive choice, especially since the LiGHT study did show that it was just as effective, or even more effective, than, glaucoma eye drops. However, it is important to understand that laser therapy is not a cure for glaucoma, and the eye pressure lowering effect can wear off over time. The good news is that laser treatments can be repeated, although the LiGHT study did not examine this possibility.

The LiGHT study provides strong evidence that laser therapy can be a first-line treatment for people with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, bypassing the need to start with eye drops first.

Resources:

Sources:

• Lancet. 2019 Mar 8. pii: S0140-6736(18)32213-X. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)32213-X. [Epub ahead of print] Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus eye drops for first-line treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma (LiGHT): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Gazzard G1, Konstantakopoulou E2, Garway-Heath D2, Garg A2, Vickerstaff V3, Hunter R4, Ambler G5, Bunce C6, Wormald R7, Nathwani N8, Barton K2, Rubin G9, Buszewicz M4; LiGHT Trial Study Group.

This content was last updated on: June 17, 2019