We are advised by our specialist's to take drops to reduce the pressure in our eyes however, we have to protect our retinal ganglion cells from dying. Eye drops do not do that they just control the pressure. That is not all the story in our glaucoma journey as some people do not have high pressure and still their eyesight deteriorates.
Food plays a large part in protecting our eyes and there are foods that will give you flavonoids one of them is called quercetin...
Just done some research on foods and natural supplements with flavonoids.
'Studies with human volunteers have shown that a single meal of fried onions can significantly increase the plasma levels of quercetin, which is then slowly eliminated over the next 17 hours' this was from a previous article I just posted.
I therefore looked up quercetin and how do we take this flavenoid to protect our ganglion cells. I found this below and you can also take a supplement of quercetin if you do not eat these foods. Please click on the links to make sure it does not affect other drugs you may be taking if you decide to take a supplement
Hi! Yes interesting! I took quercitin for a few years when I had achy joints. HOWEVER, I hadn’t picked up that it reduced blood pressure!!!! This conversely could be very bad for me as I have pretty low blood pressure already and a slow pulse rate (average 50 and drops to 43 or lower at night). Just genetic says GP and I’m fit. That’s pause for thought though as I need it up not down. I agree a mediterranean diet must be good for you. 👍🏻
I also have low blood pressure and I know this is not good at night with Glaucoma. Now I tend to have slightly saltier foods than before to try and keep the B/P up. I never add salt at the table or when cooking but enjoy a little soya sauce, miso, tomato paste even marmite .
Now I rarely feel faint as occaisonaly happened in the morning, or is this because I am getting older ???? . My pulse is usually normal.
Yes I was told by my dr that I shouldn’t worry too much about salt in my diet. So I just add extra for me at the table. I don’t eat a lot of processed food anyway, so my diet was quite low in salt I think. I don’t get giddy or have any low BP symptoms. I just am aware that the low blood pressure could be causing possible potential IOP spikes at night and this may be why my glaucoma is progressing regardless of my IOP meeting my target range. 😕 I’m having SLT in a few weeks time and I read that can help with the IOP nighttime spikes somehow. 🤞🏻
Hey Muddled! I just randomly found a post from you from a year ago about disc bleeds (which I also have incidentally). In it you mentioned your hospital which it turns out is the same one I attend (and it is very busy). Do you mind if I ask did you stay with that hospital for your ops or did you go elsewhere or go private?
Hello Beecalmed, sorry for the delay, have just read your last post. Interested to hear we both attend the same hospital.
Yes, I needed to make a decision quickly during Covid last December because I had noticed loss of visual field. The NHS were willing to fit me in for a trab but the consultant phoned me a week before the op and asked if I would prefer a Preserflo microshunt. It seems as this is less invasive there is less risk of problems and Covid infection .
It was the consultant's first op with this shunt , so he had someone talking him through, I was intrigued.
Both eyes seem fine and the pressures are about 14.
Supposed to have a hospital review in October but they say it will not be then...too booked up.
I was worried about headaches in August and saw the A.C.E.S Optitian, always very helpful. If you are in Somerset and worried about your eyes and it is difficult to see or contact the Glaucoma team then this facility is excellent.
They have not mentioned any disc bleeds since both my ops.
It would be useful to have a chat not online ? not sure how.
Meanwhile best wishes,
Just a thought, I may have some of your bees, a lot around here and some have a home in a compost heap !
Thank you for your interest and research that you are sharing. Only when robust trusted research has been done, will the medical profession announce and accept certain supplements. These various supplements should be taken with caution, due to other effects it may have on the body and it is always best to check with your eye consultant to get their opinion, before taking them. I am aware at present that it isn't something we would endorse or give as advice. Further research needs to be done first.
Just to add that a healthy diet containing dark green leafy vegetables, for example, spinach, curly kale and broccoli, peppers and carrots are all foods that help keep a healthy retina.
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