Learn more about Glaucoma

Glaucoma

The optic nerve is a major nerve responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. The retina in the eye transmits nerve impulses to the optic nerve and these are then transmitted to the brain and recognized as vision. Glaucoma refers to a pattern of conditions that leads to damage of
this optic nerve. Glaucoma generally begins with loss or peripheral vision and can progress to blindness if not treated in time.
Glaucoma is in fact regarded as the leading cause of blindness with as many as 3 million people in the US alone suffering from this condition. The problem arises because many people are unaware that they suffer from glaucoma until the symptoms become recognizable. By that time, it is often too late to treat or cure and can result in blindness.

There are also different types of glaucoma that can be largely categorized into – open angle and closed angle glaucomas. Open angle glaucomas are generally chronic, whereas closed angle glaucomas can be acute or chronic. The other two categories of glaucoma are congenital glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma symptoms irrespective of the type generally have no early symptoms. Symptoms of glaucoma become apparent only in the later stages of the disease. These can include:

Loss of peripheral vision (side vision loss or tunnel vision)
Haziness of vision
See haloes around lights (this happens more in the morning)
Eyes may look normal in the mirror
However in cases of acute closed angle glaucoma, the symptoms are sudden and severe such as:

Acute pain in the eye
The eye also feels swollen
Headache
Vomiting and nausea
Blurring of vision
Reddened eyes
Pupils that are large and do not respond to light
Cloudy cornea
Rainbow like haloes around lights are seen
Causes for Glaucoma

Intraocular pressure or IOP is the main cause of glaucoma in most cases. When pressure builds up in the eye it can put pressure on the optic nerve and in turn damage it. Open angle glaucoma is caused by:

Heredity – You are at a higher risk of having glaucoma if your parents or grandparents have had it.
Race – People of African descent are more prone to glaucoma than people of other races.
Age – People over 45 are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Diabetes
History of IOP
Acute myopia or nearsightedness
Injury to the eye
Farsightedness
Use of steroids
Closed angle glaucoma happens when the normal exit of aqueous humor fluid in the eye is suddenly blocked. This results in a sudden build up of pressure in the eye and will require emergency medical attention to prevent blindness in one or both eyes. Certain medications or eye drops can bring about acute glaucoma.

Congenital glaucoma is found in infants and is caused by abnormalities in the development of the eye that are present at birth. Secondary glaucoma on the other hand can be caused by diseases of the eye such as Uveitis, any trauma to the eye, other systemic diseases, or drugs like corticosteroids.

Remedies for Glaucoma

The main aim regarding the treatment of glaucoma is to reduce the eye pressure and thereby treat the symptoms. Depending on what glaucoma you have, your doctor will prescribe different types of treatment.

For example, if you have open angle glaucoma, eye drops or medications are generally prescribed to lessen the pressure in the eye. Unlike the eye drops of the past, the new generation of eye drops have fewer side effects and cause far fewer complications as compared to before. Other treatments for glaucoma may include iridotomy or laser therapy or eye surgery if there is no response to any other medication.

If it is a case of acute closed angle glaucoma, it will be treated as a medical emergency. Eye drops will be administered immediately and medications to lower the pressure in the eye will be given orally or intravenously. Emergency eye surgery in such cases is not uncommon.

Congenital glaucoma is treated with corrective surgery in most cases.

While surgery ensures the draining of excess fluids in the eye, it does not treat the cause of the build up of pressure. What this means is that glaucoma can recur even after the surgery. Advanced glaucoma is still considered incurable though natural remedies for glaucoma may help in controlling the initial advancement of the disease. Some home remedies for glaucoma include:

Take Rutin supplements (50mg) daily. Studies show that this bioflavnoid can reduce pressure in the eye and stop eye pain as well.
Vitamin A supplements are also recommended to improve eye health and night vision.
Vitamin E supplements can keep the eyes clear of particles that may affect vision.
Lutein extract contains carotenoid that is necessary for healthy tissue in the eye. Lutein can also prevent many eye problems.
The herb Eyebright can be found at a heath food store in the form of drops for the eyes. These drops are an effective remedy for glaucoma and much safer than commercial eye drops.
Gingko Biloba is believed to increase the delivery of oxygen to the eye and thereby clear it of toxins. This can prevent loss of vision.
Cayenne pepper administered in minute amounts to eye after diluting it in water works as an anti-inflammatory and increases the flow of blood to the eyes.
Bilberry extract strengthens the retina and reduces internal pressure in the eye. Bilberry is also used to treat cataracts.
Fennel had raw in salads or drunk, as a tea is an excellent remedy for problems with vision. Washing the eyes with fennel tea can also help.
Diet for Glaucoma

Most home remedies for glaucoma insist on changing your diet and eating habits. There is a list of foods you can and cannot eat if you are to prevent glaucoma or treat the symptoms. A glaucoma diet should include:

Fresh fruit and vegetables especially those rich in vitamin C
Seeds, nuts, and whole grains
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables such as Collard greens and kale
Berries
Tomatoes
Peppers
Broccoli
Cabbage
Sprouts
Cauliflower
Wheat germ oil
Egg yolks
Butter
Organ meats
Meat
Avocados
Seafood
Liver
Whole milk
Pink grapefruit
Apricots
Papaya
Cheddar cheese
Soybeans
Peanuts
Oysters
Corn
Peas
Green olives
Summer squash
Green tea
Apart from the foods that are good for you, there are also some that you should avoid:

Caffeine and caffeinated beverages are these increase blood flow and pressure in the eyes.
Beer and tobacco
Drinking too much fluid can increase eye pressure. Try not to gulp drinks but rather sip on them in small amounts.