GLAUCOMA
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Glaucoma is caused by an increased pressure in the eye. The pressure normally comes from a build-up of pressure from the fluid that is naturally present in the eyeball. In a healthy eye, this fluid is regularly drained, but in glaucoma the drainage system doesn’t work efficiently causing the fluid to gradually build up in the eye and increasing pressure. Over time, the increased pressure damages the nerve fibres that are essential to vision leading to the loss of eyesight.
Sometimes glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is normal. It is not clear but it looks like in some individuals the optic nerves are strangely oversensitive to even normal levels of eye pressure and slowly die.
There is also evidence that at least certain cases of glaucoma can be regarded as autoimmune conditions (caused by the own immune system attacking and damaging eye nerves). A research published in 2013, “provides serious evidence for the occurrence of IgG antibody deposition and plasma cells in human glaucomatous retina. Moreover, the results suggest that these IgG deposits occurred in a pro-inflammatory environment which seems to be maintained locally by immune-competent cells like microglia. Thereby, glaucoma features an immunological involvement comparable to other neurodegenerative diseases, but also shows a multifactorial pathomechanism, which diverges and might be linked to the specific nature of both eye and retina.” >
Although in majority of patients glaucoma is caused by the elevated intraocular pressure, it is well known fact that approximately 25% of patients with glaucoma have normal intraocular pressure. There is an evidence that these patients may have conditions that facilitate non-pressure related stress to the retina and optic nerve that are actually caused by an aberrant immunity that suggests that their glaucoma might be a form of an autoimmune neuropathy. >
Read about AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES >
– Glaucoma may be related to atherosclerosis and the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the arteries or another circulation problem problems with blood flow to the eye.
– Homocysteine levels in the tear fluid and plasma of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma is often elevated, indicating that inadequate vitamin b levels (e.g. b6, b12, and folate) may contribute to the disease. >
– Omega 3 deficiency. Primary open-angle glaucoma patients have reduced blood levels of DHA and EPA. >
– Vitamin D deficiency contributes to glaucoma. >
– Magnesium deficiency may raise glaucoma risk. >
– Insufficient dietary vitamin C intake also dramatically increases cataract risk 4 to 11 times.
– One study found that people who eat the highest amounts of butter and salt have double the cataract risk compared to those who eat the lowest amounts of these foods.
There are many other possible factors that may contribute to this condition:
– Dehydration (lack of water in the body caused by drinking insufficient amount of water, diet low in fruits and fresh vegetables, sweating, hot environment, fever, etc.).
– Vitamin A deficiency.
– Stimulants, especially smoking, coffee, black and green tea, caffeinated products (caffeine dehydrates eyes and skin).
– Diabetes. Excessive sugar in the blood over time can damage the blood vessels in your retina.
– Glaucoma may be also associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, lupus, and scleroderma.
– Some medications can contribute to the problem.
– Diet low in antioxidants as they are to protect our eyes from any neurological damage.
– Diet high in sugar heated animal protein (especially dairy), gluten, artificial sweeteners, etc.
– Consumption of trans fats, margarine and bad oils (high in pro-inflammatory omega 6) and deficiency of omega 3 healthy fats high in foods such as Flax seed, Chia seed, etc..
– Bad lifestyle, unhealthy diet high in sugar, processed refined foods, nutritional deficiencies, artificial sweeteners, lack of exercise, stimulants, drugs, medication, and in particular excessive stress, depression and pessimism may lead to the oversensitivity of the immune system which changes its nature and starts attacking own body.
– Consumption of meat and dairy products (can trigger autoimmune response and causes hormonal imbalance), refined, junk and processed foods, refined sugar, white flour products, high glucose (high fructose) syrup, stimulants (including coffee, tea, green tea, cola, etc., nutritional deficiencies, white pasta, white rice, processed foods, stress, lack of exercise, etc.
TREATMENT
Implement principles from the HEALTH RECOVERY PLAN >
– Check your blood glucose levels and if it is high or if you are already diagnosed with diabetes learn how to recover from this condition >
– Lower CHOLESTEROL and treat ATHEROSCLEROSIS >
– Treat HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) >
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
Often eye drops are prescribed to glaucoma patients to use for life in an attempt to lower pressure inside their eyes. Unfortunately they come with a long list of side effects including: Blurred vision, Forgetfulness, Respiratory problems, Fatigue, Lowered heart rate, Burning in the eyes, etc.
Also surgery carries with it serious risks, among them an increased risk of cataracts.
SUPPLEMENTS AND HERBAL REMEDIES
– Black Seed Oil: Some glaucoma sufferers claim black seed help them to minimise symptoms by reducing pressure in the eye (often key cause of the condition).
Here is an example of testimonial posted by Khadar (Seattle, Wa) on 04/17/2016: “I had a glaucoma pressure over 18-20, which is not bad, but enough to bother me. What I found is Black seed oil and dried seeds which helped me really well.” (>)
Black seed oil also helps glaucoma sufferers by increasing acetylcholine levels. Thymohydroquinone, one of the key active ingredients of Nigella sativa, is now regarded as one of the most potent natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors which inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine. In this way thymohydroquinone prolongs the time the neurotransmitter acetylcholine remains active in the brain. It means that without causing side effects Nigella sativa could replace the pharmaceutical-grade acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, myasthenia gravis, neurodegenerative conditions or schizophrenia! (>)
– Turmeric seems to cure certain type or some cases of glaucoma. Angie Roberts wrote: “My Glaucoma is gone! I take curcumin daily… I had my eyes tested by my eye specialist today. He couldn’t find any signs of glaucoma. I have been taking curcumin daily for about a year.”
A study reports the potential therapeutic role of curcumin and its efficacy in eye relapsing diseases, such as anterior uveitis, and points out other promising curcumin-related benefits in eye inflammatory and degenerative conditions, such as dry eye, maculopathy, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. >
– Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) helped to cure glaucoma (testimonial): “Less than three months ago, I discovered that alpha-lipoic acid was protective against glaucoma and could reduce the pressure in my eyes. After taking one capsule a day for six weeks, I noticed a marked improvement in my eyesight. After taking the tablets for two and a half months, sure enough, the pressure has gone down to 20 mmHg (left) and 18 mmHg (right).” – Patricia Knox, Holyhead >
Alpha lipoic acid has proven its ability to prevent oxidative stress caused by radicals and other factors in nerve tissue. It helps to maintain high glutathione levels which are found to be depleted in individuals diagnosed with glaucoma. Current research also reveals protective effects of alpha lipoic acid in neuropathy, excitotoxic amino acid brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other causes of damage to neural or brain tissue.
Antioxidants have potential value in treating glaucoma. >
L-carnitine may be beneficial in age-related ocular pathologies. >
Ginkgo biloba improves ocular blood flow, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of glaucoma. >
Resveratrol may prevent tissue abnormalities associated with open-angle glaucoma. >
Goji (lycopom barbarum) may protect retinal cells in glaucoma. >
Evidence that Vitamin D Can Be Used To Treat Glaucoma. >
Since Vitamin D deficiency contributes to glaucoma > you need to take 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day after breakfast for the first 2 months plus 2 times 400 mg of Magnesium citrate such as high in elemental magnesium MagCitra (HealthAid) between meals in the morning and evening. After 2 months reduce the dosages by half. Magnesium is necessary as as deficiency of this most important mineral is rampant now and vitamin D supplements require magnesium for its conversion in our body and therefore also contribute to magnesium deficiency. Besides, eyes affected by glaucoma often contain lower levels of magnesium than eyes without glaucoma. >
Lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to protect against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. In 1992, a study at Harvard Medical School in Boston surveyed almost 60,000 nurses and discovered those who ate spinach five or more times per week, as well as those who took vitamin C supplements for 10 years or more, reduced their risk of cataract surgery by almost 50 percent. Although other carotenoids in spinach could have been responsible for that effect, this study suggests the benefits of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin (Dagnelie et al, 2000; Hankinson et al, 1992; Seddon et al, 1994).
– Vitamin B12: 2,000 mcg a day under the tongue (must be sublingual Methylcobalamin!). Many people with glaucoma have low levels of this most important vitamin. Read a fascinating article on B12 > Japanese researchers prescribed 28 glaucoma patients a high oral-dose of 1,500 mcg/day vitamin B12 for five years. The patients receiving B12 experienced less measurable loss of peripheral vision, more stable visual acuity, and better control of eye fluid pressure compared to a group that did not take B12. The effects of vitamin B12 are attributed to the preservation of myelin, which insulates nerve cells. >
– Zinc (helps produce thyroid hormone) – 30 to 50mg a day after breakfast.
– Take good quality probiotic formulas as 20 percent of thyroid function depends on a sufficient supply of healthy gut bacteria.
– Use Mannitol as a sweetener instead of sugar. Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener as it is poorly absorbed by the intestines. As a medication, it is used to decrease pressure in the eyes in glaucoma, and to lower increased intracranial pressure. Medically, it is given by injection.
TESTIMONIALS
Posted by Khadar (Seattle, Wa) on 04/17/2016 : “I had a glaucoma pressure over 18-20, which is not bad, but enough pressure to be bother me. What I found is Black seed oil and dried seeds which helped me really well. 5-7 pieces of black seeds, intake morning and night before meal at the beginning, and now black seeds oil 1 teaspoons x 2, morning and evening before meal/without it. Good luck!” >
Posted by Tom (Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA) on 02/09/2013: “I have been having great success with both Mastic Gum, taken internally upon waking, and Frankincense essential oil, allowed to evaporate into the eyes, for eye pressure. I had been taking Mastic Gum for a month, which was helping my eye pressure issues to a good degree, after reading two studies. The first study linked H. Pylori bacteria with glaucoma. The second study noted a dramatic reduction in H. Pylori when mastic gum was taken as a supplement. It holds true that mastic gum is indeed very helpful for eye pressure in my experience. I then read on earthclinic, and subsequently on a couple of other places on the web, about success using Frankincense oil. So, I purchased the best quality Frankincense essential oil that I could find. Specifically, oil from the Boswellia Sacra species. I believe that it is steam distilled, which works fine. Every day thereafter, I followed the recommended procedure of dropping 2-3 drops of oil in my hand, rubbing my palms together to distribute the oil, and then cupping my hands over my open eyes with as air-tight a seal as possible and allowing the evaporating oil to mingle with my exposed open eyes. One of the tricks of this procedure is to not cup your hands over your eyes right away, but to allow at least one minute to pass in-between the time that you drop the oil on your hands and the time that you expose your eyes to it. Frankincense oil has volatile oxidative oils (recognizable by the citrusy top-note of the oil) that will irritate your eyes, but which largely evaporate within a minute or so of being exposed to air. Waiting at least 60 seconds to cup your eyes assures that most of these oils evaporate and that your eyes won’t be so irritated. Generally, I also count to 60 when cupping my oiled hands over my eyes, which seems to be enough. If any significant irritation starts, which may or may not happen at about the minute mark, I stop. Usually, irritation just means that you didn’t wait quite long enough for the volatile oils to evaporate. It’s not really a problem, as the irritation is both gradual and mild if it happens at all. The frankincense is very powerful, assuming a good grade of oil, and its effects will last all day. I generally perform the frankincense procedure either in the morning or the afternoon, but have also found it helpful when any type of inflammation or eye pressure is felt. The combination of mastic gum and frankincense is even more powerful. The only problem is the cost of good frankincense oil and mastic gum. Neither are cheap. A one month supply of both is currently running me about $65. You will probably need around 10 ml of oil per month.” >
Posted by Helen (Beirut, Lebanon) on 07/26/2010: “Hi, I am 47 years old and I have glaucoma since 15 years, 10 years ago I read about a Spanish doctor cured the glaucoma with 1) omega 3, 2) vitamin C, 3) ginkgo biloba. My visual field test showed excellent improvement, now the doctors tell me that I don’t have glaucoma, I am a glaucoma suspect now, the pressure in the eye is less, and I am not using my eye drops regularly, still getting better, also using sea salt (cooking & eating) instead of regular salt. My daily doses are:1000 mg vitamin C , 1 tablet ginkgo biloba, one soft gel fish oil for the omega three.” >
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
– Eat Black Currants every day. In his article about glaucoma Dr Michael Greger mentioned about two studies which demonstrated amazing beneficial effect of regular black currant consumption: “A few years ago, Japanese researchers showed they could apparently halt the progression of glaucoma with black currants. They gave people black currants for six months and found that black currants significantly boosted the blood flow to their optic nerve. The results suggest that black currants might be a safe and valuable option, but because the study was not double-blind and there was no control group, I didn’t report on it when it was initially published. But now we’ve got just such a study. Glaucoma patients were split into two groups—half got black currants; the other half didn’t. The study measured the deterioration of the patients’ visual fields in both groups in the two years leading up to the study. Despite taking the best glaucoma drugs on the market, the subjects’ visual fields deteriorated. Then the study starts. The berry-free control group continued to worsen, but the berries appeared to stop the disease in its tracks after both one and two years. And since there’s no downside to berries (only good side-effects), in my professional opinion everyone with glaucoma should be eating berries every day.” >
– Drink more distilled or at least filtered soft (low in calcium) water >
– Often eat raw spinach as it is a great source of antioxidant lutein.
– Quit smoking and stay away from alcohol, sugar, salt, caffeine, black tea, and caffeinated products as it can also reduce your dry eye symptoms, as caffeine is known to dehydrate.
– Take Chlorella every day at least before breakfast. Since Chlorella is a powerful detoxifier and energy booster it is better if you start with a smaller dose such as 1 teaspoon or 3 tablets 30 minutes before breakfast and the same amount 30 minutes before lunch with 2 glasses of water, vegetable juice or smoothie. Then gradually increase the intake every day (by approximately 1 tablet) until reaching the maximum dose of 2 heaped tablespoons or 10 – 20 tablets (500mg) 30 min before breakfast and the same amount 30 min before lunch. Altogether you can take 2-6 round tablespoons or about 20-40 tablets (500mg per tablet) of chlorella a day. The dose of course also depends on age and body weight. If you don’t like the taste of Chlorella powder take tablets. Since Chlorella is a form of highly nutritious food it is advisable and more beneficial to chew or at least break the tablets in mouth before swallowing them as it will make easier for the digestive system to process it later. While taking chlorella remember to increase your water intake to 3 times a day 2-3 glasses between meals. If you experience sleeping problems due to the fact that chlorella boosts energy I would suggest to take it only before breakfast. Keep in mind that there are many sources and types of Chlorella available so make sure you buy good quality product such as chlorella offered by Pukka.
– According to Dr Michael Greger, “A plant-based diet may be the best thing for patients with glaucoma. Lower protein, total fat, and cholesterol intake, and increase complex carbohydrates. Increase vitamin A content by eating red, orange, yellow, and dark green leafy vegetables; increase zinc and folate by eating whole-grains, beans, and raw vegetables—especially spinach; ensure sufficient B6 and potassium intake by eating nuts, bananas, and beans; ensure sufficient vitamin C by eating citrus; eliminate alcohol and caffeine; reduce sugar and salt intake, and increase water consumption to six to eight glasses per day.”
– Dark leafy greens help to support eye health. And that those with the highest consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables, especially ones rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, had increased vision health.
– Consume organic fruits on empty stomach. It will have alkalise your body for more optimal health and hydration.
– Place a warm wet compress with eyebright tea on your eyes 2 or 3 times a day for at least 5 minutes or longer. It will impose a relaxing effect on the eyes and promotes a healthier tear flow. Instead of water you can use herbal teas such as calendula, eyebright, chamomile, etc.
– Position your computer screen below eye level.
– Every day eat fresh raw (not cooked) sprouts (alfalfa sprouts, watercress sprouts, sunflower sprouts, etc.).
The process of seed germination results in a dramatic increase in their vitamin, mineral and phytochemical content. According to Dr. J. Mercola, „Sprouts can contain up to 30 times the nutrition of organic vegetables! Sprouted seed, nut or bean has a whopping 43 times the enzyme power when compared to the non-sprouted variety! Sprouts are the highest source of ENZYMES which improve digestion of food and absorption of essential nutrients.”
Sprouts are also bioactive food as they are the only plant based food that is still growing as we consume them! Purchasing very inexpensive sprouts at retail stores is the simplest method for adding sprouts to your menu, but growing them at home on a large tray with soil is much better. Using good quality soil to grow your own sprouts, you make them organic and free from pesticides and other unwanted chemicals. I make my own sunflower sprouts as they are most delicious and very potent. Try to avoid consuming the same type of sprouts every day for a longer period of time. Instead use variety of different sprouts but the most important seem to be fresh sunflower sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, and watercress sprouts. On YouTube you will find numerous videos explaining how to make your own sprouts at home.
– Drink 1 or 2 glasses of fresh raw and possibly cold-pressed (using slow juicer) vegetable juices (carrots, beets, broccoli, kale or spinach, etc.) 2 to 3 times a day before meals or instead. It is even better to have them with chlorella or spirulina, alfalfa, turmeric and barley grass. If you want to maintain your health drink 2 to 3 times 1 glass. In case your intension is to treat different health problems such as cancer, etc. you need to have 2 glasses 3 to 4 times a day.
– Zinc: 15-30mg a day after meal.
– Every day have at least two tablespoons of soaked overnight in water (or plant milk) chia seed with meal as it regulates blood glucose, increases energy, helps to reduce appetite and lose weight, and increases energy. Chia seed is also one of the highest plant sources of the very beneficial and anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
– Avoid or at least significantly reduce consumption of dairy and meat products. If you only reduce consumption of animal foods, bad fats, sugar, and refined foods you may not see positive results quickly and get discouraged as a result. Go to RECIPES > in order to learn how to substitute animal foods.
– Eliminate the following from your diet: Animal fats, margarines (high in dangerous trans-fats), and bad oils (sunflower oil, soya oil, corn oil, vegetable oil, etc.) as they are high in pro-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acid. For cooking use only raw organic coconut oil. For salad dressing you may use cold pressed flax oil (but not for cooking).
Natural Ways to Lower Your Eye Pressure
You do have another option, though, as surprising as it may sound the same lifestyle changes that lower blood pressure typically also work to lower your eye pressure, thereby helping to prevent and even treat glaucoma without a risk of side effects.
Lower your insulin levels: As your insulin levels rise, it causes your blood pressure, and possibly also your eye pressure, to increase. In time this can cause your body to become insulin resistant, and studies show insulin resistance — which is common in people with diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure — is linked to elevated eye pressure.The solution is to avoid sugar and grains, the two “food groups” that will inevitably cause surges in your insulin levels. Even whole, organic grains will rapidly break down to sugars, so they too should be avoided. So in addition to avoiding sugar, if you have glaucoma or are concerned about it, you’ll want to avoid foods like: Breads Pasta Rice Cereal Potatoes
Exercise regularly: One of the most effective ways to lower your insulin levels is through exercise. A regular, effective exercise program consisting of aerobics, sprint-burst type exercises, and strength training can go a long way toward reducing your insulin levels and protecting your vision.Other Tips to Keep Your Vision Healthy
Taking an animal-based omega-3 fat supplement. A type of omega-3 fat called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may help protect and promote healthy retinal function. DHA is concentrated in your eye’s retina and has been found to be particularly useful in preventing macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness.
Getting loads of lutein and zeaxanthin. Many have never heard of these two vision powerhouses, but they are incredibly important for your eyesight. Lutein, which is a carotenoid found in particularly large quantities in green, leafy vegetables, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage. Some excellent sources include kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, and brussel sprouts.
Zeaxanthin is likely to be equally as effective as lutein in protecting eyesight.
It is important to note that lutein is an oil-soluble nutrient, and if you merely consume the above vegetables without some oil or butter you can’t absorb the lutein. So make sure you’re eating some healthy fat along with your veggies, Eggs yolks are also loaded with these nutrients but once the egg is cooked they tend to be damaged and non useful. So you can consume them raw by whipping them up in a shake or cooking them minimally as in sunny side or poach them with runny yolks.
Avoiding trans fats: Trans fat may interfere with omega-3 fats in your body, which are extremely important for your eye health. A diet high in trans fat also appears to contribute to macular degeneration. Trans fat is found in many processed foods and baked goods, including margarine, shortening, fried foods like French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers.
Eating dark-colored berries. The European blueberry, bilberry, is known to prevent and even reverse macular degeneration, and bioflavonoids from other dark-colored berries including blueberries, cranberries and others will also be beneficial. They work by strengthening the capillaries that carry nutrients to eye muscles and nerves. However, because berries contain natural sugar they should be eaten in moderation to avoid upsetting your insulin levels.Following the healthy lifestyle tips I’ve described above will go a long way toward protecting your vision, whether you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or simply want to keep your eyesight in top condition.
If you have glaucoma, however, it’s especially important to eliminate those grains and sugars, get exercising, and consume animal-based omega-3 fat regularly in order to keep the disease from progressing.
Eliminate all suspected food allergens, including dairy (milk, cheese, and eggs), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food allergies.
Eat more antioxidant rich foods (such as green, leafy vegetables and peppers) and fruits (such as blueberries, tomatoes, and cherries). Some studies show that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of glaucoma.
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein. Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in such commercially baked goods as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine. Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco. Drink 6 – 8 glasses of filtered water daily. Exercise moderately, if tolerated, 5 days a week. You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements: A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 – 2 capsules or 1 tablespoon oil daily, to help reduce inflammation. Fish oil may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals, such as those taking blood-thinning medications (including aspirin). Vitamin C, 500 – 1,000 mg daily, as an antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10, 100 – 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant support. Alpha-lipoic acid, 25 – 50 mg twice daily, for antioxidant support. Lutein, 2 – 6 mg daily, for antioxidant support in eye health. HerbsHerbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should speak with your health care provider before starting treatment.You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, and teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 – 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 – 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 – 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) standardized extract, 80 mg 2 – 3 times daily, for antioxidant and vision support. Bilberry may interact with diabetes medication and may increase the effect of blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin). Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) standardized extract, 40 – 80 mg 3 times daily, for antioxidant and immune support. Ginkgo may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals, such as those taking blood-thinning mediations (including aspirin). Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 – 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Source: Glaucoma | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/
References: Arch Ophthalmol.2000;118:401-4, Arch Ophthalmol.2001;119:1191-9,Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:209-18, Arch Ophthalmol 2003 Dec;121:1728-37).For further information, you can check out these medical research studies below on vegetables, fruits, phytonutrients, vitamins, and how they help your eyesight.1. The Transitions Optical Healthy Sight Survey was conducted by world-renowned market research company Ipsos-Markinor in March 2009. One thousand South African respondents partook in the survey.2. Rhone, M. & Basu, A. Phytochemicals and age-related eye diseases. Nutr Rev 66, 465-472 (2008).3. Elvevoll, E.O., et al. Enhanced incorporation of n-3 fatty acids from fish compared with fish oils. Lipids 41, 1109-1114(2006).4. Rhone, M. & Basu, A. Phytochemicals and age-related eye diseases. Nutr Rev 66, 465-472 (2008).5. Michikawa, T., et al. Serum antioxidants and age-related macular degeneration among older Japanese. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 18, 1-7 (2009).Photo credits: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) image from CDC’s public domain media library (eye safety).
SOURCES
http://nutritionfacts.org/2014/12/30/foods-for-glaucoma/
JoAnn A. Giaconi, Fei Yu, Katie L. Stone, et al. “The Association of Consumption of Fruits/Vegetables with Decreased Risk of Glaucoma among Older African American Women in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.” Am J Ophthalmol. 2012 Oct; 154(4): 635–644. PMCID: PMC3448787.
Jae H. Kang, Walter C. Willett, Bernard A. Rosner, Emmanuel Buys, Janey L. Wiggs, Louis R. Pasquale. Association of Dietary Nitrate Intake With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. JAMA Ophthalmology, 2016; 1 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.5601
Hongmei Ren, Nwabueze Magulike, Kebreab Ghebremeskel, Michael Crawford. “Primary open-angle glaucoma patients have reduced levels of blood docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids.” Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2006 Mar;74(3):157-63. Epub 2006 Jan 10. PMID: 16410047
Shaheen Patel, Joyce J Mathan, Ehsan Vaghefi, Andrea J Braakhuis. “The effect of flavonoids on visual function in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2015 Sep 4. Epub 2015 Sep 4. PMID: 26340868
Hiu-Chi Chan, Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang, Angel Koon-Ching Ip, Kin Chiu, Wai-Hung Yuen, Sze-Yong Zee, Kwok-Fai So. “Neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn on protecting retinal ganglion cells in an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma.” Exp Neurol. 2007 Jan;203(1):269-73. Epub 2006 Oct 11. PMID: 17045262
Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.