Natural Remedies to Manage Glaucoma

Natural Remedies to Manage Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition and quite common in the elderly. It occurs due to accumulation of fluids in the eyes. The fluid puts extra pressure on the optic nerve and can cause blindness without timely treatment.
Other than aging, glaucoma can also occur due to certain medicines such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, or high blood pressure. Glaucoma progresses slowly. So, you can utilize various glaucoma natural treatments to stop the symptoms from worsening.

Here are some glaucoma natural treatments that you can use.

Diet

Diet plays a major role in good eye health. For natural glaucoma treatment, aim to eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, fish and whole grains.
A glaucoma natural treatment diet must include carrots and yellow pumpkin that are rich in vitamin A. Eat blueberries that are high in anthocyanin and can help protect the eyes from free radical damage. Salmon contains antioxidants and healthy fats that can keep the eyes healthy.
Other items to include in your glaucoma natural treatment diet are spinach, kale, broccoli, apples, eggs, sesame oil, cherries and citrus fruits.
Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine, sugar, fried foods and alcohol.

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Exercise

Regular exercise boosts circulation and can ease the pressure in the eyes caused by glaucoma. You can try aerobic exercises and strength training as glaucoma natural treatments.
Exercise can also reduce insulin levels that help in the natural alternative treatment for glaucoma. If you are unable to do vigorous exercises, even short walks can help a great deal in easing the discomfort of glaucoma.

Essential Oils

One of the best natural remedies for glaucoma treatment is to use essential oils. These aromatic oils can reduce hypertension and stress; causing pressure in the eyes to stabilize.
Essential oil of cypress can boost circulation in the eyes. Frankincense oil can improve vision. Helichrysum oil can heal the nerves in the eyes. You can mix any of these essential oils with carrier oils like coconut or almond. Just a few drops are enough. Then apply the oil on the cheekbones or outside the eyes for relief from glaucoma.

Supplements

Magnesium taken in the 250 mg dosage twice daily can improve circulation and help the blood vessels relax. If you have glaucoma due to diabetes, try chromium supplements (250 mg, twice daily). You can also take supplements of fish oil (1000 mg) for good eye health.
Ginkgo biloba is a herb that can help people with glaucoma. It can prevent blockages in the capillaries; improve blood flow and lower eye pressure. You can take 60 mg of the supplement 2-3 times a day. You can also use vitamin C supplements if you are not getting enough of it through your diet. Vitamin C is excellent in relieving optical nerve pressure.
Ask your doctor for the right supplements and doses. You can also work with naturopathy practitioners or herbalists to know more about the use of herbal supplements for glaucoma.

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Lifestyle Remedies

Smoking can adversely impact eye health. If you have glaucoma quit smoking or at least severely reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day. Tobacco smoke can hinder blood circulation to the eyes and worsen the glaucoma symptoms. Avoid secondhand smoke as well.
It is also best to avoid straining the eyes unnecessarily. Minimize your screen time. Read or watch television with appropriate lighting. Keep a tab on the time spent on computers, tablets, playing video games and performing tasks requiring excessive concentration such as fine embroidery or craft work.

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