MYTH: Lowering my eye pressure with eyedrops will prevent further damage to my vision.

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.

This is an insidious disease that can be difficult to detect until a significant amount of vision is lost. It 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, the problem 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 a protocol to help with controlling the problem through nutrition and lifestyle changes, help protect your optic nerve from further damage, and to eventually reduce or eliminate the need for medication if possible. Particularly in the case of glaucoma suspects, we do not believe in waiting until one needs medication, but instead we look toward prevention.

Omega 3 fatty acids - these may help reduce the chronic inflammatory processes that is found in many patients. Fish and unrefined 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. Some studies on animals further indicate that fish oil can reduce fluid pressure within the eyes. The best sources are the flesh of cold water fish (example; salmon, mackerel, cod) as well as black currant seed oil, and flax seed oil. Consider eating fish three times a week.

Ginkgo biloba - may increase the circulation of blood to the eyes. It has been shown in some cases to help lower intraocular pressure in the eyes. There is no natural food source. It is directly derived from the ginkgo tree.

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, has been helping people preserve their vision in his private practice for over 20 years. He is the co-author of Natural Eye Care - An Encyclopedia (Keats, 1999), and the author of the upcoming book Greater Vision - A Guide to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity in Everyday Life. Dr. Grossman is currently the Eastern Region Director of the Optometric Extension Foundation rogram, and lectures internationally on natural eye care, nutrition and Chinese medicine.