Glaucoma is the leading cause of complete vision loss in the U.S, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). About 2 million people suffer from vision loss caused by glaucoma, due to glaucoma development without notable symptoms. The eye contains a jelly-like fluid called aqueous humor (which has nothing to do with tears). The intraocular fluid is continuously filled and drained from the eye, being produced by the ciliary body (behind the iris) which controls the lens.
Glaucoma Causes
Glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve. One of the causes is increased pressure inside the eye. This increase affects vision due to pressure on the optic nerve and preventing it from receiving a proper blood supply and nutrients that are necessary for proper functioning.
Malfunction of the optic nerve is responsible for loss of peripheral vision, appearance of blind areas, and in more severe cases blindness.
Most often, increased pressure occurs when the drainage system,also called the trabecular network is affected.
Galucoma Risk Factors
Risk factors in the development of glaucoma:
- Family history (cases of glaucoma in the family)
- Aging
- Diabetes and vascular disease
- Severe myopia.
Also called chronic glaucoma (in open angle), is most commonly seen in over 90% of patients. Usually, chronic glaucoma sets in without any symptoms, so early diagnosis, prevention, are critical for saving the pacient's view.
Acute glaucoma (in closed angle) occurs when the trabecular network is blocked suddenly, and the pressure increases dramatically to dangerous levels . Pressure is growing suddenly, requiring the eye to be treated immediately. The only option in this stage is emergency surgery.
An increase in pressure can also be determined by the production of excess fluid, although this case is quite rare.
Various activities can determine changes of the pressure in the eye like severe emotional stress, drinking coffee, smoking.
Glaucoma Treatment Treatment
Certain vitamins can influence the intraocular pressure. Doctors at the University of Rome prescribed to patients with glaucoma, megadoses of vitamin C (1.5 g /kg body weight), which leaded to a significant and rapid decrease in the intraocular pressure. It was found that manganese (20-40 mg / day) may lower intraocular pressure too.
Most patients with chronic glaucoma have low levels of vitamin A. The majority also lack a particular enzyme, NAD that also has a role in lowering eye pressure.
An individualized nutrition therapy is useful for these patients and aims to increase levels of NAD enzyme.
Normally the body produces a sufficient amount of NAD, but any mineral deficiencies (copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc) can cause an uncontrolled decline in the production of NAD. NAD levels can be increased by administration of coenzyme Q-10.
For all cases of glaucoma it is very important to ensure an adequate level of NAD, as well as a normal function of the thyroid. It was found that in all cases of chronic glaucoma, patients show clear symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Comprehensive Treatment for chronic glaucoma has three stages:
- Evaluation of thyroid function and treatment if required
- Mineral dosage and establishing the necessary supplements to bring them to a normal level
- Recommendation of a daily nutritional program, in addition to the administration of NUTRIPLEX ( NUTRIPLEX® is an innovative, unique, water-soluble balanced systemic nutritional complex and bio-stimulant containing 22 nutritional elements such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium, micronutrients, growth stimulants such as Kelp, vitamins and Humic Acid)
- Review after 2-3 months
- Coenzyme Q-10 50 mg
- Vitamin A 10,000 IU
- Vitamin D 400 IU
- Vitamin C and bioflavonoids 1000 mg
- Biotin 1000 mcg
- Magnesium 100 mg
- Manganese chelate 20 mg
- DMG (dimethyl glycine) 250 mg
- Niacin 80-200 mg
It was found that among people who did not respond to the nutritional therapy prescribed, many had high levels of toxic metals like cadmium. This heavy metal, adversely affects the absorption of vitamins and minerals, so it is always recommended to test patients with glaucoma for cadmium poisoning.
The results of nutritional treatments, generally appear after 2-3 months.
