Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, is a serious disease that should be treated by a qualified medical practitioner. However, glaucoma natural treatments are available as supplementary practices that can help you to sustain your quality of life during your medical treatments for glaucoma. Although the various glaucoma natural treatments may be effective for glaucoma patients, do not use them without your doctor's knowledge as they may interfere or interact with your prescription medication.
Vitamin C
Large does of vitamin C decreases intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Although papayas, citrus fruits, potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, kiwi, broccoli and mangoes are all high in vitamin C, eating these foods every day may not be enough. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg a day of a vitamin C supplement to help reduce the intraocular pressure in your eyes.
Bilberry
The herb bilberry may stop further glaucoma damage to your eyes. Bilberry contains anthocyanidins, antioxidants that reduce pressure in the eye, protect the retina and strengthen and protect the eye's blood vessels and retina. Take 120 to 240 mg of Bilberry extract with 25 percent anthocyanosides daily.
Punarnava
Punarnava is an Ayurvedic, or traditional Indian, medicinal herb used to treat glaucoma. Punarnava may reduce the pressure of an eye affected with glaucoma and is best used as a treatment in the early stages of glaucoma. You can purchase Punarnava at online Indian pharmacies, Indian grocery stores or online herb retailers. Steep one tsp. of punarnava into one cup boiling water and let the mixture sit for two minutes. Strain the tea through cheesecloth and drink two to three times per day.
Magnesium
Magnesium may improve peripheral blood circulation and vision in glaucoma patients. Take 243 mg of a magnesium supplement every day for one month to experience these results. Magnesium may also prevent glaucoma by counteracting a suspected glaucoma cause, glutamic acid.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, an herb with antioxidant constituents, may help alleviate glaucoma symptoms through improved blood circulation to the eyes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the general ginkgo biloba dosage is 120 mg daily in divided doses with 6 to 12 percent terpenoids and 24 to 32 percent glycosides.
Eyebright
Eyebright is an herb that has been used as an eye tonic for hundreds of years. Eyebright contains antioxidant constituents, including Vitamins A, C, D and E and some B vitamins, that combat free radical damage in the eyes. Purchase eyebright herbal drops from a health food store or online herb retailer. Liquid eyebright dosages will most likely differ, so follow your doctor's directions to achieve best results.
Tags: glaucoma patients, antioxidant constituents, blood circulation, eyes Bilberry, glaucoma natural, glaucoma natural treatments, intraocular pressure