Definition:
Glaucoma is serious eye disorder. It is caused by high intraocular pressure.
This pressure is exerted on fluids within the eyeball. If this pressure
is unrelieved, it will damage the retina and ultimately the optic
nerve, resulting in vision loss and even blindness. This condition
usually effects people after the age of forty. People with the highest
risk of developing glaucoma are African Americans, people with diabetes,
high blood pressure, severe myopia, family history of glaucoma,
and people taking corticosteroid medications.
Symptoms:
Early warning signs that a problem is developing include eye pain or discomfort
especially in the morning, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights,
and the inability to adjust to a dark room. In the acute phase of
this disease eye pain becomes throbbing, gradual loss of sight,
especially peripheral vision, pupil that do not respond to light
properly, and a sharp increase in the pressure in the inner eye,
especially on one side. These symptoms can come on very rapidly,
and may be accompanied by nausea and even vomiting. Permanent vision
damage can occur in as little as 3-5 days.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
The best treatment for this disease is prevention. Regular check-ups
to measure ocular pressure are essential. While I don=t know of
any treatment that will reverse this disease. Nutritional supplementation
is available to slow down its progress. People with a family history
of glaucoma or who have any of previously mentioned conditions should
begin a program of nutritional support.
References:
Balch, J. Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing,
NY 1990
Werbach, M. Nutritional Influences on Illness, 2nd Edition, Third
Line Press, Tarzana, CA 1993
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
