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Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve. It is often referred to as the “silent thief of eyesight” as it does not show any noticeable symptoms in the early stages and can lead to progressive loss of sight. If untreated, glaucoma can result in blindness. When the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP) is too high, glaucoma occurs. The buildup of pressure in the eyes occurs when the aqueous humor is producing too much or it is not draining properly.

It is very important to keep the pressure in the eyes under control as glaucoma can be a debilitating condition. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, second only to cataract. By using glaucoma home remedies along with medical care one can slow the development and helps to prevent the disease.

• Increased pressure in the eyes
• Emotional stress
• Certain drugs like antihistamines
• Diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and migraines that affect the blood flow to the optic nerve
• Sleep apnea
• Myopia
• Eye injury
• Hypothyroidism

Given below are some of the symptoms that occur due to the rapid increase in inner eye pressure.

• Pain and redness in the eye
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• A cloudy cornea
• Blurred and reduced vision
• Half-dilated pupils
• Pupils that are unresponsive to light
• Halos around bright lights

Certain lifestyle changes help to treat glaucoma without any side effect.

• Lowering blood pressure by eating healthy and exercising helps to lower eye pressure as well. Avoid foods like breads, pasta, rice, cereal, and potatoes.
• Regular exercise can help to lower insulin levels. Exercises that consist of aerobics and sprint-burst type exercises help in reducing insulin levels. Intraocular pressure can be reduced by 20% with regular exercise. However, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist about an appropriate exercise program as certain vigorous high impact exercises may cause the release of more pigment from the iris that may increase eye pressure.
• To cure and prevent glaucoma, one should include vitamins and minerals in the diet. The sources of vitamin A and carotene such as yellow fruits and vegetables are excellent glaucoma home remedies as they help to preserve the cones and the rods in the retina and keep vision healthy.
• Consuming bioflavonoid supplements thrice a day can reduce intraocular pressure.
• One excellent glaucoma home remedy is spinach. It is a rich source of carotene and lutein that are necessary to strengthen the tissues in the eyes.
• Extracts of the herb eyebright is believed to cure glaucoma as it contains astringent ingredients and soothes the eyes.
• Another excellent rain forest herb that is used in the natural treatment for glaucoma is jaborandi. It contains pilocarpine that can be used to soothe the eyes.
• Ginkgo biloba increases the amount of oxygen in the eyes, thereby eliminating many toxins.
• Diluted cayenne can be used as eye drops. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it addresses eye problems and increases blood flow.
• Cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamin E and helps to remove stray particles from eye lens.
• Avoid caffeine and fluid intake in a short period of time as it can increase eye pressure.
• Germanium increases oxygen flow in the eyes and helps to clear congestion.
• Other effective glaucoma home remedies include turmeric and bilberry. These act as an excellent natural treatment for glaucoma owing to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

References:

1. http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_life-style_changes_help_manage_glaucoma_000025_10.htm
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002587/

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.