GLAUCOMA

GLAUCOMA, A DISEASE of the eye that can lead to blindness, occurs when normal drainage of eye fluid is blocked, causing increased pressure within the eye and consequent damage to the optic nerve. There are two types of glaucoma. Acute glaucoma, which is relatively rare, causes severe, throbbing pain, blurred vision, and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Acute glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Far more common-and insidious-is chronic glaucoma. Of the two million Americans who have glaucoma, 90 percent have this form of the disease. Symptoms include mild headaches and visual disturbances, such as seeing halos around electric lights. Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions may also be indicative of glaucoma. But most people with chronic glaucoma have no symptoms until they start losing their vision, which is why I urge my patients to have an annual eye examination, particularly if the5′ are over forty-five or have a family history of glaucoma. The examination should be conducted by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, as glaucoma pressure readings may be misleading and need to be interpreted by an experienced practitioner.

Glaucoma is usually inherited, though parents may be carriers without developing tile disease. Other people at risk include those with diabetes and myopia (nearsightedness). People who strain their eyes with prolonged close work may also be at risk of’ increased eye pressure. Recent studies indicate that there is also a correlation between glaucoma and nutrition, which affects collagen metabolism. Collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the body, is also the key building block of eye tissue. When collagen metabolism is abnormal due to poor nutrition or general ill health, the eye becomes vulnerable to various abnormalities.

Treatment for glaucoma ranges from topical medication to eye surgery. The most common treatment is eye drops, which reduce fluid formation in the eye and encourage increased outflow. Eye drops, however, can produce systemic side effects such as low heart rate and blood pressure, asthmatic wheezing, bronchial cough, light-headedness, and fatigue. For this reason, they are generally not prescribed until the pressure within the eye becomes acute enough to damage the optic nerve. By the way, if you use such drops, be sure to let your doctor know. Many people, thinking that eye drops will have only a localized effect, forget to do this. If they develop side effects froth the drops, their primary care physician may be unaware of the cause of the problem.

The good news about glaucoma is that there are natural remedies that can help reduce elevated eye pressure, and in some cases bring it back to normal. Whether you have glaucoma or are at risk of developing the disease, you may benefit greatly from nutrients and supplements.

It’s important to remember that glaucoma is not an inevitable effect of aging and heredity. In Nigeria, where glaucoma has reached epidemic proportions, researchers found that improved nutrition was a much better cure for glaucoma than drugs. In one study, a doctor treated a group of patients by giving them large doses of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as additional amounts of protein. For most of these patients, he reports, the eye pressure was reduced to within normal limits within a week.

Even in the United States, where malnutrition is not the severe problem that it is in Africa, vitamin and mineral deficiencies have been found to contribute to eye abnormalities, including glaucoma. Vitamin C plays a lead role in its prevention and treatment. People with low blood levels of vitamin C have been found to have significantly higher eye pressure than those who took 1,000 mg. of vitamin C daily, in one experimental controlled study, a group of people were given 500 mg. of vitamin C twice a day. After one week, their eye pressure readings were significantly lower, but returned to previous levels one week after vitamin C was discontinued.

In the treatment of chronic glaucoma, vitamin C dosage varies from patient to patient. Some patients have responded to as little as I g. (1,000 mg.) a day, while others require higher doses. Since individual tolerance varies, however, you should not exceed 3 g. (3,000 mg.) of vitamin C a day without talking to a physician.

Recent studies have demonstrated that rabbits that are given daily doses of cod liver oil have a lower incidence of glaucoma than rabbits that are not treated. Though studies are still needed to relate these findings to humans, J still think it’s prudent for people with glaucoma to take a fish oil Supplement like MaxEPA. daily.

Rutin, which has been found useful in restoring normal collagen metabolism and normalizing eye tissue, is also helpful in prevention and treatment. Butin is available in supplement form at a health food store.

Chromium, zinc, and the B complex of vitamins, particularly thiamine, also-appear to play a role in prevention and treatment of glaucoma. People with elevated eye pressure have been found deficient in these elements; a supplement is indicated for anyone at risk.

There are also some things you must avoid if you have glaucoma or a strong family history of the disease. Tobacco, of course, is one of them. Smoking and secondhand cigarette smoke can irritate glaucoma. Corticosteroids, which destroy the collagen structure in the eye, should also be avoided, both in the oral and topical form.

You should also stay away from any substances to which you are allergic. It has been determined that allergic reactions precipitate increased pressure within the eye. People who already have elevated pressure readings must avoid the risk of further elevation and consequent damage to the optic nerve. Identify food and drink to which you may be allergic and avoid it. It’s more difficult to identify-and avoid-airborne allergens. Dust, dander, and various air pollutants are difficult to escape entirely, but try to keep these irritants to a minimum.

Finally, as I tell my parents, no health regime can be complete without adequate exercise, which is particularly important in glaucoma prevention and treatment. In a recent study, a group of sedentary patients with elevated eye pressure started a course of aerobic exercise training. After three months, their eye pressure decreased by an average of 20 percent. Three weeks after exercise was discontinued, however, the pressure readings returned to previous levels.

NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR GLAUCOMA

• Adopt a regular exercise program.
• Avoid the use of corticosteroids if possible.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand cigarette smoke.
• Keep food and inhalant allergies under control.

IN ADDITION TO YOUR DAILY SUPPLEMENTS,TAKE:

• Vitamin A: 10,000 I.U. per day.
• Vitamin C: 1,000 to 3,000 mg. daily, in divided doses.
• Vitamin E: 400 I.U. daily.
• Chromium: 100 mcg. Of trivalent chromium two times daily
• Zinc: 50 mg. A day
• Fish oil: 1000 mg. Three times daily of MaxEPA.
• Rutin: 50 mg. Three times daily.