|
This is a condition
where the pressure of the fluid in the eyeball builds up.
What to look for
Teary, aching eyes,
blurred vision, occasional
headaches.
A sudden onset of severe
throbbing pain, headaches, blurred vision, redness in the eye, dilated pupils, and
sometimes nausea and vomiting.
In infants, teary or
cloudy eyes, unusual sensitivity to light, and enlarged corneas.
Chronic glaucoma, can be
extremely painful and can also eventually cause damage to the retina and optic nerve
leading to partial or complete blindness.
It may be well established
before you notice the warning signs: You have headaches, you need new glasses, you develop
tunnel vision, and eventually you develop blank spots where you can't see anything.
Causes
The eye's lens, iris, and
cornea are continuously bathed and nourished by a water-based fluid called aqueous humor.
This fluid is constantly being produced and consequently needs to be continually drained
away. And this is what the problem is with glaucoma patients, there is an obstruction to
the drainage of the fluid and as a result, pressure builds up and causes problems.
This condition can be
genetic, babies can be born with a defect in the drainage system in the eye and can
consequently develop glaucoma early in life.
As the optic nerve
deteriorates, your field of vision narrows and you have difficulty seeing things at either
side. If nerve damage continues, it can affect your central vision and lead ultimately to
total blindness.
Researchers believe certain
things can trigger this illness…
Using certain drugs,
a lack of collagen,
corticosteroid eye drops
(sometimes prescribed for other eye disorders), are thought to destroy collagen balance in
certain situations,
stress
and
allergies may aggravate symptoms of chronic glaucoma.
Traditional Treatment
Treatment of chronic
glaucoma requires measures to control the flow and drainage of the fluid in the eye. You
can help yourself by relieving stress and maintaining collagen production. Acute glaucoma
is different: If the pressure of excess fluid in the eye is not relieved quickly, the
result can be blindness.
Appropriate therapy depends
on the nature and stage of the ailment.
Chronic glaucoma is
typically managed with eye drops.
If your chronic glaucoma
does not respond to medication, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects, your doctor
may recommend another treatment.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative approaches to
treating glaucoma emphasise prevention and good eye maintenance. Use this ONLY
in addition to conventional medicine.
Herbal Therapies -
A
variety of herbs have properties that may aid this complaint - Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) helps maintain collagen
balance and prevents the breakdown of
vitamin C.
This is available in tablet form or you can eat the real fruit if available. A
variety of herbs have properties that may aid this complaint - Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) helps maintain collagen
balance and prevents the breakdown of
vitamin C.
This is available in tablet form or you can eat the real fruit if available.
Personal Care
Eye exercises may relieve
stress and eyestrain caused by overworked eyes and many eye problems, including glaucoma..
- ask your Doctor.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine
intake as these two substances may affect blood circulation to the eye.
Avoid cigarette smoke.
Dietary Considerations
Vitamin C apparently helps
with this condition so therefore eat foods rich in this vitamin- cauliflower, broccoli,
turnip greens, strawberries, grapefruits, and oranges.
Alternatively, you can take
supplement of vitamin C daily. Eat foods rich in vitamin A such as liver, kidney, egg
yolk, butter, dairy products and cod liver oil.
Chromium
and
zinc may also deter glaucoma, as most people with
the disease exhibit deficiencies of these minerals, as well as of thiamine (vitamin B1).
When to seek further
professional advice
|
