Natural Ways to Lower Eye Pressure

Glaucoma is the condition responsible for increased pressure in the eye and can lead to a number of complications including blindness. This increased pressure stresses the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a serious condition and natural treatments are best used as a complement to standard treatments that aim to relieve this intraocular pressure. You should consult with a physician knowledgeable about alternative medicine for advice. Never use natural supplements without talking to your doctor first. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil and the University of Maryland Medical Center offer several natural treatment suggestions.

Making Appropriate Lifestyle Choices

• Avoid or limit caffeine of all kinds; this includes coffee, chocolate and sodas. Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly yellow and orange ones. They contain antioxidants that are specifically beneficial for the eyes.

  Get regular exercise appropriate for your level of health. Exercise improves circulation in all parts of your body, including your eyes. Talk to your doctor before embarking on an exercise program. He can offer advice on what is appropriate for you.

  Do not smoke. It worsens glaucoma.

Using Natural Supplements

• The University of Maryland Medical Center lists the following supplements for glaucoma on their website. The antioxidants lutein (6 mg daily), zeaxanthin (10 mg daily) and the herb bilberry (80 mg three times a day) are known to promote eye health. Other natural supplements noted for their antioxidant properties include vitamin C (1,000 mg daily), coenzyme Q10 (200 mg at bed), alpha-lipoic acid (50 mg twice a day), and melatonin (6 mg at bed). Antioxidants help protect enzymes and other substances in the eye that are responsible for protecting the eye from damage.