FACT: Damage to the optic nerve can still happen with controlled pressures. Nutritional support, supplementation and lifestyle changes can dramatically improve the condition of your eyes.

Glaucoma is an insidious disease that can be difficult to detect until a significant amount of vision is lost. This disease is often referred to as the "silent thief", because most individuals with undiagnosed glaucoma do not suffer from any symptoms until they begin to notice a reduction in their peripheral vision.

Technically, glaucoma is due to damage to the optic nerve, sometimes as a result of increased pressure of the aqueous humor, the clear, watery fluid that circulates in the chamber of the eye between the cornea and the lens. But the term glaucoma is now defined as a collection of diseases that causes optic nerve damage. As a result, the diagnosis is no longer solely based on whether a person’s Intraocular Pressure (IOL) is elevated or not.

The complementary approach should not be used in place of your doctor's treatment, but our objective is to provide you with protocols to help control glaucoma through nutrition and lifestyle changes, help protect your optic nerve from further damage, and to eventually reduce or eliminate the need for medication. Particularly in the case of glaucoma suspects, we do not believe in waiting until one needs medication, but instead we look toward prevention.

Diet

Studies indicate that glaucoma patients can reduce their eye pressure by five to seven millimeters with an improved diet and supplement program, a reduction as good or better than achieved with drugs. In general a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium is recommended. Foods containing those nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes. One way to effortlessly add fruits and vegetables to your diet is to add them to food you already eat. Fruit in cereal and vegetables in eggs, sandwiches and entrees are easy ways of adding to the body's store of beneficial nutrients.

In addition, drinking lots of water helps maintain the flow of nutrients to the eye and drain metabolic wastes and toxins from eye tissues. It is good to drink at least 6 - 8 glasses of water per day (preferably filtered), but avoid carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages since they can actually dehydrate eye tissues.

Research into the affects of food allergies on glaucoma patients reveal an important point; it is not simply a matter of inner eye pressure but a complex interaction of biophysical and biochemical parameters that are at work here. A study of 113 patients with simple chronic open angle glaucoma showed an immediate increase in eye pressure when they were exposed to foods they were allergic to.

One study showed improvement compared to treatment with drugs and surgery or drugs alone. In one case, eye pressure was controlled and vision actually improved once the patient eliminated food allergens from the diet.

There is also evidence that glutamate contributes to glaucoma, so it is best to avoid any foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG). For example, ask your waiter not to use MSG when ordering Chinese food.

The following are some of the most essential nutrients for the treatment and prevention of glaucoma:

Vitamin C- in parts of Europe and Asia, vitamin C is considered routine in the treatment of glaucoma. It lowers the eye pressure through a combination of decreasing fluid production and improved outflow of aqueous humor. Plus, it improves collagen metabolism, which may be one of the underlying reasons for the development of glaucoma.
Essential Fatty Acids - may help reduce chronic inflammatory. Fish and fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that Eskimos, who have a high intake of omega -3, have a very low incidence of open angle glaucoma. Studies on animals further confirm that fish oil can reduce eye pressure. The best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and cod. Also black currant seed oil and flaxseed oil are good sources. We recommend 1500 mg per day of omega 3 fatty acids.
Alpha Lipoic Acid - is the only antioxidant that is both fat and water soluble. Studies have shown that patients with glaucoma have been benefited with enhanced color vision and general visions sensitivity. It also enhances glutathione, vitamins E and C, essential antioxidants in the eye.
Taurine - is an amino acid that protects the eyes against neurotoxins that include excessive levels of glutamate that may be responsible for the loss of ganglion cells and optic nerve damage seen in open angle glaucoma.

Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus) - nicknamed the "Vision Herb", has accumulated 40 years of research confirming its benefits for the eyes. Bilberry improves the delivery of oxygen and blood to the eye, contains antioxidants for healthy tissues and strengthens the collagen.
Ginkgo biloba - is an herb that increases blood flow and helps provide oxygen to the eyes. Studies have shown positive results in its ability to help lower intraocular pressure. If you are on blood thinner medication, see your doctor first before taking ginkgo

Exercise is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Research has shown that glaucoma patients who take a brisk, 40 minute walk five days a week for three months can reduce the eye pressure by approximately 2.5 mm. We recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise- walking, jogging, swimming, and/or bicycling a minimum of five days per week.

It's not news that your emotions affect your health and it's not news that stress makes glaucoma worse. As early as 1818, researchers linked stress to glaucoma. One study found that a high percentage of glaucoma patients reported stressful life experiences at the time their glaucoma began. During periods when a patient's sense of security was most threatened, eye pressure and glaucoma symptoms increased. We recommend meditation, yoga, tai chi and/or psychotherapy to help with the stress in ones life.