Natural Reduction In Eye Pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) measures the aqueous humor pressure in the eye. This fluid nourishes the eye. Elevated pressure can lead to glaucoma, a series of eye conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disease damages the optic nerve and reduces vision. For most people the symptoms occur so gradually as to be imperceptible. An eye exam regularly is important in diagnosing glaucoma, which is the second-leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to Glaucoma.org. In addition to taking medication to reduce IOP, there are natural methods a person can utilize to help treat high eye pressure.

Use Herbs

There are a few herbs that alternative practitioners recommend for glaucoma. These herbs include bilberry and ginkgo biloba. But the Mayo Clinic states there is no evidence that herbal treatments help with IOP. The chapter "Glaucoma" from the book "Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Seniors" also advocates taking herbs in addition to the prescribed medication. The editors say that gingko increases blood circulation in the eye and helps to preserve vision by reducing death of optic nerve cells. Home Remedies for Glaucoma on the Homemade Medicine website extols the virtues of bilberry, saying that it reduces eye pressure, and protects and strengthens the blood vessels, and veins of the eyes.

Exercise

The Mayo Clinic writes, "Regular exercise may reduce eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma." But for other forms of glaucoma, exercise may increase the pressure. Before starting an exercise program it is essential to know what form of glaucoma you have and check with your doctor. If exercise is beneficial for your IOP then do any type of aerobic exercise or stretching that you enjoy doing. Exercise also reduces stress that can contribute the elevated eye pressures, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Take Antioxidants

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Seniors also writes that antioxidants are effective in treating glaucoma. "Studies strongly suggest that antioxidant vitamins C and E can relieve low eye pressure and slow the development of glaucoma," according to the book. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals in the body that cause damage and disease. Take 2,000 mg of vitamin C and 800 IU of vitamin E each day suggest the article. Home Remedies for Glaucoma says that vitamin E also helps to remove particles from the lens that may interfere with vision.

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