What You Need to Know About Glaucoma
|
Glaucoma is a medical condition of
the eye where the optic nerve becomes damaged, and worsens over time.
The buildup of pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure,
is the eye's inability to drain out the aqueous humor fluid
properly. The optic nerve damages can lead to loss of vision and
permanent blindness within a couple of years if left untreated.
The two main types of the disease are
open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is
the most common of the pair. In the open-angle, the eye structures
appear normal, but the fluid doesn't flow properly through the drain of
the eyes, known as the trabecular meshwork.
The latter of the diseases,
angle-closure glaucoma, is categorized by poor drainage of the eye, due
to the angle between the iris and the cornea, which then becomes
obstructed by the iris and results in blurred vision.
There are numerous ways in which the
eye disease may be treated. The treatments are prescription eye drops
for less severe problems, microsurgery to thoroughly drain out the fluid
of the eye, or through various laser surgery procedures.
Editor's note -
Please consult your physician if you are suffering from any of the
symptoms listed below, or if you have a history of glaucoma in your
family. It's important to have a complete eye exam to minimize the risks
at an early stage.
External Causes:
Symptoms
People at Most Risk:
1) Healthy Diet -
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for preventing diseases of all
sorts. Green leafy vegetables are high in chlorophyll, which is a vital
component that improves vision and protects against glaucoma. Make sure
you add spinach, kale, beetroot, and carrots, to your salad and dietary
intake. The omega-3 fatty acids of cold water fish are also beneficial
for healthy eyesight.
2) Eye Exercises - You
can practice from a wide assortment of eye exercises to maintain
optimal vision. Eye exercises prevent strain and sharpen concentration.
Here are a few exercises you can perform at home:
3) Sunning and Palming - The Bates Method of sunning and palming, helps flex and reactivate the lens of the eye. Here's how to perform each technique:
4) Wild Asparagus - You
might not have liked asparagus when you were young, but you will
certainly appreciate the benefits this spring vegetable has for
maintaining healthy vision. Eating a few sticks of asparagus can help
prevent such eye disorders as glaucoma and cataracts. Here is an
interesting recipe you can prepare:
5) Ginkgo Biloba -
The Chinese have relied on the Ginkgo Biloba for over 5,000 years to
treat a variety of medical conditions. Ginkgo Biloba affects ocular
blood flow and protects the optic nerve from damages. It is also used to
improve memory, relieve stress and even help treat Alzheimer's disease.
Take 120-mg standardized capsules once a day, or in two to three
divided doses. Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any Ginko
Biloba capsules.
6) Bilberry - This
powerful bilberry herb is ideal for treating night blindness and
protecting against macular degeneration of the eye. It contains a
chemical called anthocyanoside, which supplies the bloodstream with
anti-inflammatory properties. Eat a 1/2 cup of them per day, or in
supplement form as an alternative. Take 160 mg of bilberry extract (with
25 percent anthocyanidin) twice daily, or several times per week.
Consult your doctor beforehand if you are planning to take the herb in
capsule form.
7) Almonds - Almonds
are a great snack alternative to sugary candy bars and potato chips,
high in sodium. They help improve vision with the powerful omega-3 fatty
acid components, and provide you with a much-needed boost of energy
during the day. A handful of almonds can increase brain function and
even save you from fatigue. Try this quick and easy almond paste recipe:
Extra Bonus Tips:
|
| H/T: top10homeremedies.com |
