Difference between revisions of "Lower Eye Pressure Without Drops"
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| − | Ocular hypertension is one of the most widespread conditions that affects the eyes. It occurs when there is a higher level of fluid pressure (intraocular pressure) in the eyes than usual. Glaucoma, and even permanent vision impairment, can occur if ocular hypertension is ignored, therefore it's important to take action against the condition. High intraocular pressure or ocular hypertension has no symptoms, so it is diagnosed during a visit to your eye care specialist. Eye drops are usually one of the first treatments used to treat high eye pressure, but unfortunately they do not work for everyone.<ref>http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/hypertension.htm</ref> | + | Ocular hypertension is one of the most widespread conditions that affects the eyes. It occurs when there is a higher level of fluid pressure (intraocular pressure) in the eyes than usual. Glaucoma, and even permanent vision impairment, can occur if ocular hypertension is ignored, therefore it's important to take action against the condition. High intraocular pressure or ocular hypertension has no symptoms, so it is diagnosed during a visit to your eye care specialist. Eye drops are usually one of the first treatments used to treat high eye pressure, but unfortunately they do not work for everyone.<ref name="rf1">http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/hypertension.htm</ref> |
[[Category:Home Remedies]] | [[Category:Home Remedies]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Modifying Diet and Lifestyle === | === Modifying Diet and Lifestyle === | ||
| − | #Lower your body's insulin levels. Individuals who suffer from conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure often become resistant to insulin, which actually causes the body to produce more insulin. These high insulin levels have been linked to increased eye pressure.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354923/</ref> | + | #Lower your body's insulin levels. Individuals who suffer from conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure often become resistant to insulin, which actually causes the body to produce more insulin. These high insulin levels have been linked to increased eye pressure.<ref name="rf2">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354923/</ref> |
#*To solve this problem, patients are advised to avoid certain foods that can trigger an abrupt increase in insulin levels. These foods include: sugar, grains (whole and organic), breads, pasta, rice, cereal and potatoes. | #*To solve this problem, patients are advised to avoid certain foods that can trigger an abrupt increase in insulin levels. These foods include: sugar, grains (whole and organic), breads, pasta, rice, cereal and potatoes. | ||
#Exercise frequently. Regularly engaging in exercises like aerobics, jogging, brisk walking, biking and strength training helps to lower your body's insulin levels, thus protecting your eyes from ocular hypertension. | #Exercise frequently. Regularly engaging in exercises like aerobics, jogging, brisk walking, biking and strength training helps to lower your body's insulin levels, thus protecting your eyes from ocular hypertension. | ||
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#*Try to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, three to five times per week. | #*Try to exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, three to five times per week. | ||
#*Avoid exercises and positions that place you in a head-down position, as this can increase intraocular pressure. This includes some yoga positions, such as headstands. | #*Avoid exercises and positions that place you in a head-down position, as this can increase intraocular pressure. This includes some yoga positions, such as headstands. | ||
| − | #Take dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that maintains healthy retinal function and prevents pressure from building up in the eyes.<ref>https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/docosahexaenoic-acid-dha</ref> | + | #Take dietary omega-3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that maintains healthy retinal function and prevents pressure from building up in the eyes.<ref name="rf3">https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/docosahexaenoic-acid-dha</ref> |
#*DHA (and other omega-3 fatty acids) are found in cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, shellfish and herring. To boost your DHA levels, try to eat to two to three servings of these kinds of fish each week. | #*DHA (and other omega-3 fatty acids) are found in cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, shellfish and herring. To boost your DHA levels, try to eat to two to three servings of these kinds of fish each week. | ||
| − | #*Alternatively, you can increase your DHA intake by taking fish oil capsules or algae-based DHA supplements. For best results take 3,000 – 4,000mg of standardized fish oil capsules per day or take 200mg of algae-based DHA supplements per day.<ref>http://www.iovs.org/content/48/2/756.long</ref> | + | #*Alternatively, you can increase your DHA intake by taking fish oil capsules or algae-based DHA supplements. For best results take 3,000 – 4,000mg of standardized fish oil capsules per day or take 200mg of algae-based DHA supplements per day.<ref name="rf4">http://www.iovs.org/content/48/2/756.long</ref> |
#Consume more foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which work as antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These free radicals weaken the immune system, which can lead to infection and damage to the optic nerves.<ref name="mercola">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/31/Six-Natural-Strategies-to-Stop-Glaucoma-from-Robbing-You-Blind.aspx</ref> | #Consume more foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which work as antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. These free radicals weaken the immune system, which can lead to infection and damage to the optic nerves.<ref name="mercola">http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/31/Six-Natural-Strategies-to-Stop-Glaucoma-from-Robbing-You-Blind.aspx</ref> | ||
#*Lutein and zeaxanthin also help to lower eye pressure by reducing oxidative damage around the optic nerve. This is important, as any damage in the optic nerve increases eye pressure. | #*Lutein and zeaxanthin also help to lower eye pressure by reducing oxidative damage around the optic nerve. This is important, as any damage in the optic nerve increases eye pressure. | ||
#*Foods that contain excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, spinach, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and raw egg yolks. Try to include at least one of these foods in every major meal of the day. | #*Foods that contain excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include kale, spinach, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and raw egg yolks. Try to include at least one of these foods in every major meal of the day. | ||
#Avoid trans fats. As mentioned above, omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce intraocular pressure. However, foods that are high in trans fats prevent the omega-3s from working properly, which can lead to increased eye pressure. | #Avoid trans fats. As mentioned above, omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce intraocular pressure. However, foods that are high in trans fats prevent the omega-3s from working properly, which can lead to increased eye pressure. | ||
| − | #*As a result, it's a good idea to limit your intake of foods rich in trans fats. These foods include: processed or baked foods, fried foods, ice cream, microwave popcorn, and ground beef.<ref>http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/cholesterol/22-worst-foods-for-trans-fat-1?pageart=3</ref> | + | #*As a result, it's a good idea to limit your intake of foods rich in trans fats. These foods include: processed or baked foods, fried foods, ice cream, microwave popcorn, and ground beef.<ref name="rf5">http://healthyliving.msn.com/diseases/cholesterol/22-worst-foods-for-trans-fat-1?pageart=3</ref> |
| − | #Eat more antioxidants. Dark colored berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries, help to improve the overall health of the eyes by reinforcing the capillaries that transmit nutrients to the eye nerves and muscles. This is due to the fact that dark-colored berries contain antioxidants that help to strengthen blood vessels. This reduces the chances of blood vessels hemorrhaging and causing damage.<ref>http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/vitamin_c.htm</ref> | + | #Eat more antioxidants. Dark colored berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries, help to improve the overall health of the eyes by reinforcing the capillaries that transmit nutrients to the eye nerves and muscles. This is due to the fact that dark-colored berries contain antioxidants that help to strengthen blood vessels. This reduces the chances of blood vessels hemorrhaging and causing damage.<ref name="rf6">http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/vitamin_c.htm</ref> |
#*Try to eat at least one portion of dark-colored berries per day. | #*Try to eat at least one portion of dark-colored berries per day. | ||
| − | #*Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and is used to prevent and treat a number of eye disorders, including glaucoma and increased eye pressure. Dosage is usually 75mg twice a day.<ref>Filina A. A., Davydova N. G., Endrikhovskii S. N., Shamshinova A. M. [Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma]. Vestn Oftalmol 1995;111(4):6-8.</ref> | + | #*Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and is used to prevent and treat a number of eye disorders, including glaucoma and increased eye pressure. Dosage is usually 75mg twice a day.<ref name="rf7">Filina A. A., Davydova N. G., Endrikhovskii S. N., Shamshinova A. M. [Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma]. Vestn Oftalmol 1995;111(4):6-8.</ref> |
| − | #*Bilberry is very commonly used to increase visual acuity and combat degenerative eye diseases, including ocular hypertension. One study on a specific product containing bilberry and pycnogenol (an extract from pine bark) was clinically shown to lower eye pressure.<ref>Steigerwalt, R. D., Gianni, B., Paolo, M., Bombardelli, E., Burki, C., and Schonlau, F. Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects. Mol Vis 2008;14:1288-1292.</ref> | + | #*Bilberry is very commonly used to increase visual acuity and combat degenerative eye diseases, including ocular hypertension. One study on a specific product containing bilberry and pycnogenol (an extract from pine bark) was clinically shown to lower eye pressure.<ref name="rf8">Steigerwalt, R. D., Gianni, B., Paolo, M., Bombardelli, E., Burki, C., and Schonlau, F. Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects. Mol Vis 2008;14:1288-1292.</ref> |
| − | #*Grapeseed extract is an antioxidant and has been successfully used to reduce eye stress due to glare. Grapeseed extract is commonly used to combat signs of aging and improve night vision.<ref>Corbe, C., Boissin, J. P., and Siou, A. [Light vision and chorioretinal circulation. Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers (Endotelon)]. J Fr.Ophtalmol. 1988;11(5):453-460</ref> | + | #*Grapeseed extract is an antioxidant and has been successfully used to reduce eye stress due to glare. Grapeseed extract is commonly used to combat signs of aging and improve night vision.<ref name="rf9">Corbe, C., Boissin, J. P., and Siou, A. [Light vision and chorioretinal circulation. Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers (Endotelon)]. J Fr.Ophtalmol. 1988;11(5):453-460</ref> |
| − | #Use Marijuana (Cannabis), where legal. Marijuana can be taken as edibles, sublingually, capsules, tablets and oils for vapors. In a 2006 study, one of marijuana's main constituents, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has psychoactive effects, was shown to reduce eye pressure temporarily when 5 mg was taken sublingually, but the other constituent, cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have psychoactive effects, did not reduce eye pressure. <ref>Tomida, I., Azuara-Blanco, A., House, H., Flint, M., Pertwee, R. G., and Robson, P. J. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study. J Glaucoma. 2006;15(5):349-353.</ref><ref>Tomida, I., Azuara-Blanco, A., House, H., Flint, M., Pertwee, R. G., and Robson, P. J. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study. J Glaucoma. 2006;15(5):349-353</ref> | + | #Use Marijuana (Cannabis), where legal. Marijuana can be taken as edibles, sublingually, capsules, tablets and oils for vapors. In a 2006 study, one of marijuana's main constituents, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has psychoactive effects, was shown to reduce eye pressure temporarily when 5 mg was taken sublingually, but the other constituent, cannabidiol (CBD), which does not have psychoactive effects, did not reduce eye pressure. <ref name="rf10">Tomida, I., Azuara-Blanco, A., House, H., Flint, M., Pertwee, R. G., and Robson, P. J. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study. J Glaucoma. 2006;15(5):349-353.</ref><ref name="rf11">Tomida, I., Azuara-Blanco, A., House, H., Flint, M., Pertwee, R. G., and Robson, P. J. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study. J Glaucoma. 2006;15(5):349-353</ref> |
=== Undergoing Surgery === | === Undergoing Surgery === | ||
#Understand why surgery may be necessary.<ref>http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20100505_glaucoma/index.html | #Understand why surgery may be necessary.<ref>http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/welcome/features/20100505_glaucoma/index.html | ||
</ref> If high pressure persists, it can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to an eye condition called glaucoma.<ref> https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts | </ref> If high pressure persists, it can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to an eye condition called glaucoma.<ref> https://nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts | ||
| − | </ref> Over time, glaucoma can lead to vision loss.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/glaucoma-eyes</ref> Glaucoma is usually treated using a combination of eye drops and oral medications. However, if these measures don't work, surgery will be necessary in order to lower pressure in the eyes. | + | </ref> Over time, glaucoma can lead to vision loss.<ref name="rf12">http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/glaucoma-eyes</ref> Glaucoma is usually treated using a combination of eye drops and oral medications. However, if these measures don't work, surgery will be necessary in order to lower pressure in the eyes. |
#*Surgery for glaucoma helps to improve the flow of fluid within the eyes, lowering eye pressure as a result. Sometimes, a single surgery will not be enough to adequately relieve eye pressure and treat glaucoma. In this situation, a follow-up surgery may be necessary. | #*Surgery for glaucoma helps to improve the flow of fluid within the eyes, lowering eye pressure as a result. Sometimes, a single surgery will not be enough to adequately relieve eye pressure and treat glaucoma. In this situation, a follow-up surgery may be necessary. | ||
#*There are several types of surgery used to treat glaucoma, depending on the severity of the condition. | #*There are several types of surgery used to treat glaucoma, depending on the severity of the condition. | ||
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#*Stretch one hand directly out in front of you, then stick up your thumb. Focus both eyes on the thumb, then slowly move your thumb towards you until it is about three inches away from your face. | #*Stretch one hand directly out in front of you, then stick up your thumb. Focus both eyes on the thumb, then slowly move your thumb towards you until it is about three inches away from your face. | ||
#*Move your thumb away from you again, keeping both eyes on it at all times. Continue to focus on your moving thumb for a minute or two. | #*Move your thumb away from you again, keeping both eyes on it at all times. Continue to focus on your moving thumb for a minute or two. | ||
| − | #Look into biofeedback. This technique may also help alleviate eye pressure.<ref>http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/alternative-medicine.php</ref> Biofeedback teaches you to control normal bodily process, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.<ref>https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/biofeedback</ref> A biofeedback therapist will teach you proper technique so you can begin to practice on your own. | + | #Look into biofeedback. This technique may also help alleviate eye pressure.<ref name="rf13">http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/alternative-medicine.php</ref> Biofeedback teaches you to control normal bodily process, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.<ref name="rf14">https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/biofeedback</ref> A biofeedback therapist will teach you proper technique so you can begin to practice on your own. |
=== Understanding Ocular Hypertension === | === Understanding Ocular Hypertension === | ||
#Understand how high eye pressure is diagnosed. High eye pressure (medically known as ocular hypertension) is difficult to diagnose, as it does not show any visible symptoms such as redness or eye pain. A diagnosis cannot be made using visual examination alone, so you will need to have your eyes examined by an eye specialist. He will use a combination of methods to identify ocular hypertension. | #Understand how high eye pressure is diagnosed. High eye pressure (medically known as ocular hypertension) is difficult to diagnose, as it does not show any visible symptoms such as redness or eye pain. A diagnosis cannot be made using visual examination alone, so you will need to have your eyes examined by an eye specialist. He will use a combination of methods to identify ocular hypertension. | ||
| − | #*''Tonometry.'' This procedure is used to measure intraocular pressure in the eyes and gauge whether the level of pressure is still within normal limits. The eye is numbed and then an orange dye is inserted to help the specialist identify the level of pressure. A machine is used to measure the pressure in the eye by applying pressure to the eye.<ref>ttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003447.htm</ref> | + | #*''Tonometry.'' This procedure is used to measure intraocular pressure in the eyes and gauge whether the level of pressure is still within normal limits. The eye is numbed and then an orange dye is inserted to help the specialist identify the level of pressure. A machine is used to measure the pressure in the eye by applying pressure to the eye.<ref name="rf15">ttps://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003447.htm</ref> |
#*A reading of 21mmHg or higher usually indicates the presence of ocular hypertension. However, other conditions can affect this reading, such as head or eye injuries or a buildup of blood behind the cornea. | #*A reading of 21mmHg or higher usually indicates the presence of ocular hypertension. However, other conditions can affect this reading, such as head or eye injuries or a buildup of blood behind the cornea. | ||
#*''Air puff.'' With this procedure, the patient is asked to look straight into an apparatus while the specialist shines a light into the eye. The apparatus then sends a quick puff of air directly into the eye. A special machine reads the pressure by assessing the changes in the light reflections upon the strike of air into the eye. | #*''Air puff.'' With this procedure, the patient is asked to look straight into an apparatus while the specialist shines a light into the eye. The apparatus then sends a quick puff of air directly into the eye. A special machine reads the pressure by assessing the changes in the light reflections upon the strike of air into the eye. | ||
| − | #Understand what causes high eye pressure. Ocular hypertension is associated with increasing age along with other factors. Several factors may contribute to the development of ocular hypertension, including:<ref | + | #Understand what causes high eye pressure. Ocular hypertension is associated with increasing age along with other factors. Several factors may contribute to the development of ocular hypertension, including:<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*''Excessive aqueous production.'' Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid manufactured in the eye. It drains from the eye by means of the trabecular meshwork. If excessive aqueous humor is produced, the pressure in the eye increases. | #*''Excessive aqueous production.'' Aqueous humor is a transparent liquid manufactured in the eye. It drains from the eye by means of the trabecular meshwork. If excessive aqueous humor is produced, the pressure in the eye increases. | ||
#*''Inadequate aqueous drainage.'' Improper drainage of aqueous humor can lead to increased eye pressure. | #*''Inadequate aqueous drainage.'' Improper drainage of aqueous humor can lead to increased eye pressure. | ||
#*''Certain medications.'' Certain drugs (such as steroids) can cause ocular hypertension, especially in people with pre-existing risk factors. | #*''Certain medications.'' Certain drugs (such as steroids) can cause ocular hypertension, especially in people with pre-existing risk factors. | ||
| − | #*''Eye trauma.'' Any irritation or injury to the eye can affect the balance of aqueous production and drainage from the eye and may result in increased eye pressure.<ref | + | #*''Eye trauma.'' Any irritation or injury to the eye can affect the balance of aqueous production and drainage from the eye and may result in increased eye pressure.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*''Other eye conditions.'' Ocular hypertension is usually linked with other eye ailments such as pseudo exfoliation syndrome, corneal arcus, and dispersion syndrome. | #*''Other eye conditions.'' Ocular hypertension is usually linked with other eye ailments such as pseudo exfoliation syndrome, corneal arcus, and dispersion syndrome. | ||
#Familiarize yourself with the risk factors for ocular hypertension. Anyone can develop high eye pressure, but studies show that the following groups are at increased risk of developing the condition: | #Familiarize yourself with the risk factors for ocular hypertension. Anyone can develop high eye pressure, but studies show that the following groups are at increased risk of developing the condition: | ||
