I am new here, and just been diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes. Apparently early stages, I’m 43, and my dad has it too.
I am wondering if anyone here has found natural/ alternative ways to lower eye pressure? I’m aware this might not work but I really don’t like putting medicine in my eyes , daily … and worry about the side effects…
Even though it’s early stages, and I feel a bit silly for feeling like this, I still feel sad about it, and a bit disconcerted by what it actually means. I didn’t think I’d feel it as a shock like I do… I feel a bit silly for it but that’s what I feel… having to come to terms with having this disease.
let me know your thoughts… I am grateful for this community!
many thanks!
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Townyowl
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Hi there, I'm new too. Joined this afternoon. I know Glaucoma runs in some families, mine included. I've been watching a video tonight about Pigment Dispersion Syndrome which can develop into Glaucoma if pressures aren't managed. Anyway, in the video it says there are clinical trials taking place relating to Vitamin B3, the results of which are positive but its not available as yet.
Eye pressures are unique to each person. There doesn't seem to be anyway to control them except with drops. Believe me I've been trying with healthy eating and exercise since my late 30s when my eye problem started.
Hopefully someone else can tell us otherwise. Good luck Townyowl
Have you been offered laser treatment? I think this would be worth discussing with your care team as it seems effective for many people as a first line treatment. Don't feel silly for feeling anxious. Glaucoma is a serious condition and you are hound to worry. We all do! Sharing concerns and questions is a great help I find. You will find a very informative webinar recording about the use of Vit B3 in glaucoma treatment on the Glaucoma UK website.
I'd had trabs in both eyes but in the most recent one the pressure was remaining stubbornly elevated. I had other health issues which led me to change my diet to a clean ketogenic one.
This resulted in my eye pressures falling by about 25% and remaining low. The ophthalmologist was so surprised he wondered whether I had massaged the pressure down immediately before the eye exam (which is something you can do if you have had trabs).
My pressures have remained lower and it's been almost 4 years since then. I do believe lifestyle changes including diet can have a significant effect on eye pressures, however you'll find a lot of variation and disagreement on what a healthy diet looks like.
Exactly the same for me - but much older now! Been on drops for years but found that Ganfort the best and only ones that work well. Also worth asking about SLT - Selective Laser Treatment as that lowers pressures and can see better afterwards too! They tend to leave Cataracts to last minute at many hospitals but if you find one to keep a watch for them they removed mine and replaced my lenses which also reduces pressure and back to excellent vision - lenses set to latest specs or Opticion's report...so make sure up to date if you go for this! If any side effects from drops go straight back...some do cause them.
I'm sure we all empathise with your feelings re drops and seeking alternative therapies. Alfred V's low carb diet benefit is interesting, and keeping in good general health, diet and exercise is obviously generally good. Supplements:- if your consultant doesn't recommend it, forget them. Yes, there are trials on several things but until proved conclusively effective, just use your own cautious judgement . So what should we consider? Glaucoma is the death of nerves in the retina and at the nerve head. The causes are multifactorial, IOP being only one. Quality of the vasculature of the eye, BP, nature of aqueous circulation and diffusion from the eye, you chose the wrong parents etc. BUT the only reliable therapy is keeping the IOP down. The variation of IOP during 24hrs can be significant; you are probably supine for 8hrs, during which time it can increase whilst the blood pressure ,necessary to feed the eyes, can decrease. Discuss 24 monitoring of both with your consultant (you may be able to borrow/rent an Icare Home tonometer), and BP monitors are standard purchases. Trawl the internet for reliable scientific sources of info, and do become a Glaucoma UK member - I have just done so after about 40 years with glaucoma !
Totally get your concerns about side effects from eye drops. I was concerned too. And I did experience negative side effects early on but there are many drops you can try. I’ve now landed on ones that cause me no issues.
However, you should ask about Select Laser Trabulectomy. It sounds scary but is actually a very straight forward treatment done in 30mins and is relatively low risk. SLT, as it’s known, should be offered as a first line treatment following a diagnosis with glaucoma according to the UK NICE guidelines. You can request it before trying eye drops. Some people who have it never need eyedrops. some like me have it but do need drops. It can be repeated a number of times. This would be a good option if you are worried about the side effects of drops.
I agree that a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can make a difference to your glaucoma progression. I wouldn’t follow this as an alternative treatment to traditional treatment though. I’d recommend you take the treatment recommended by your consultant. Anything you change or add as treatments I’d run by your consultant too…just in case.
There’s lots of discussions about Nicotinamide on this forum. Perhaps read them. But bear in mind those doing the trials are monitored and assessed by drs. If you take it and are outside the trial you are on your own if things go awry.
yes, diagnosis is a big shock. The various treatments are relate to just why your eye pressure is raised. Be aware that glaucoma can develop even when eye pressure is controlled, it did for me. You might want to look at gingko biloba and anything that improves circulation like exercise etc. But don’t let worry stop you from enjoying life now!
And seriously, consider trying prescription drops, you’ll get used to them and with a bit of luck you may never need anything more. Hope all goes well!
avoid exercises that increase eye pressure such as anything that brings your heart below your head-eg some yoga exercises, headstands ( once my thing I could show off about - oops). Having a high heart rate in exercise doesn’t affect eye pressure (acc my eye clinic). Plus all the stuff above seems good advice. It’s a hassle but you just get used to having glaucoma- can take years and years to make a difference so no point worrying until you have to. Good luck.
Hi. There are some good lifestyle interventions that you could incorporate. A balanced, healthy diet and light exercise can be good for circulation and controlling eye pressure. I would recommend watching this digital support group that we had a couple of weeks ago, as there is some good information on there. youtube.com/watch?v=U-8oSiW...
I'm 44 so have been looking at similar information. The gingko bilboa sounded good until I read that it can increase hemorrhages and I've had some disc hemorrhages so won't take that. Most supplements seem to come with the potential to increase other related risks.
Please learn and adapt by inserting eye drops correctly right from the beginning by doing Punctual occlusion! also use preservative free eye drops for dry eyes! This would be a part of life and living with it!Remember to use preservative free eye medication, never to use any which contains BAK(Benzalkonium chloride).
Good morning from Thailand and good luck with the journey ahead!
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