Natural Ways to Manage Glaucoma
Ask most people what is most important to them, and they’ll respond with ‘my health’. And with good reason – being healthy has a dramatic impact on your life in too many ways to mention. However, there are some health issues that are often only thought of when a problem occurs. While plenty of people focus on things like their weight, high blood pressure, and more, what about your vision?
Loss of vision can have a dramatically negative impact on your life, and it’s important to take steps to prevent vision loss before it occurs. If you begin to notice a problem you will want to look into it immediately before it has time to worsen.
One of the most common causes of vision loss is glaucoma, and it can quickly lead to a permanent loss of vision if it’s not attended to quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of interventions that can control the issue. Some of these steps are entirely natural, letting those who are coping with vision loss to manage the issue more effectively and without side effects or large expenses.
What is Glaucoma?
The first thing you need to know is what glaucoma is. Then, you can begin taking the correct steps to manage it. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the country. It’s caused by a buildup of fluid around the eye that leads to increased pressure on the lens and retina which damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve transmits the images and sends them to the brain.
How do I know if I Have Glaucoma?
Symptoms of glaucoma can include:
- Tunnel vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Nausea
- Eye pain
- Red eyes
Be sure to visit your medical professional in case you have any of the above symptoms. There are several different types of glaucoma, making it all the more important to speak to a medical expert to identify which type you might have.
Treating glaucoma mainly focuses on reducing that buildup of fluid and reducing the pressure that forms in the eye. And while it’s very important to talk to your doctor about the different steps needed to treat the condition, there are also some natural steps you can take to help for a faster recovery.
Natural Steps to Help Manage Glaucoma
Along with options your doctor provides, taking the time to make natural changes to your lifestyle could have a big impact on preventing the worsening of glaucoma. Here are some of the best ways to go about naturally preventing this type of vision loss.
- Reduce Insulin Levels - Increased levels of insulin can lead to higher blood pressure, which in turn can contribute to pressure within the eyes. While those with vision issues aren’t necessarily diabetic, you can cut out sugar intake to help lower the body’s insulin levels. This includes cutting out things like pasta, breads, and cereals from your diet. Carbs can trigger insulin production, so try to reduce the amount you consume.
- Change Your Diet – In addition to cutting out sugars and starches, consider focusing on eating lots of leafy green vegetables. These all have compounds known as carotenoids, which can help promote healthier eyesight and better overall vision.
- Exercise – Regular exercise can help promote better circulation, better blood pressure, lower insulin levels, and more. In the process, it can help reduce pressure in the eyes and prevent glaucoma.
- Supplement – Omega 3 supplements can help promote better retinal health and prevent overall macular degeneration. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.
Can Essential Oils Help Glaucoma?
Another option that many swear by is the use of essential oils to combat glaucoma. The idea is simple – certain essential oils can help to promote better circulation and thus lower blood pressure and improve the health of the eyes and the body in general.
Obviously, you can’t apply the oils directly to the eyes. Instead, mix 5 drops of an essential oil with one tablespoon of coconut or almond oil and then apply to the cheeks, just underneath the eyes.
Another great way to get essential oils into the body and moving through the bloodstream is to use a Nebulizing Diffuser®. A nebulizer is very effective in releasing pure essential oils into the air without diluting them with water or damaging their therapeutic properties with heat. It is best to use a glass diffuser that reduces the amount of toxins that are released into the air.
The Best Essential Oils for Glaucoma Prevention
- Frankincense – This oil is linked to better vision health and also improves circulation
- Cypress – Cypress has been shown to promote better overall circulation
- Sweet Orange – This oil can help dilate vessels and promote better circulation
Combined with the right treatment from your medical professional and healthy lifestyle changes, essential oils could be the key to preventing vision loss and helping to manage glaucoma.
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25 Responses
Edward Harris
If anyone out there has a cure for glaucoma. Let us know. Adriana Polo researcher in Canada doing human trials for glaucoma using insulin. Check it out.
Becky
I am borderline, I have high pressure. Started using Cypress and Frankincense around my eyes. It has kept my pressure-normal. I put it on in morning and at night.
Jean J
I’m just getting into the essential oils, need all the info I can get. Just happened to come across this page. Lot of great info on here, going in for laser on one eye, pressure building up, and if there is essential oils out there that can help with pressure ,love to hear about them all ,and your experience.
Sarah L
Because of the prescriptions I take for my Rheumatoid Arthritis I get my eyes checked every year.
Candice Force
Good to know because glaucoma and other eye issues run in my family and I would prefer natural solutions.
Cheryl
It’s good to know these things. I’m tested periodically.
Alyssa Smith
Good reason to visit your eye doctor regularly!
Dot Drobney
Interesting article. I have an optometrist appointment coming up in January, and a glaucoma test is always part of my annual visit.
Cathy
Yet another amazing way that essential oils benefit our lives!
Helena
Great to know. Love the smell of sweet orange. Maybe you like best what you need, after all.
L Herter
My father has glaucoma and I will definitely try essential oils to see if it makes his situation better.
Rahul
I learned something I never thought was possible!
TRISH
Glad to know which essential oils can help. Thank you
Ginger
Thank you for sharing! I didn’t know much about this before now.
Diane Garceau
This is great information. Thanks!
Coressa B Clark
I used to work at an Eye Clinic in Danville, IL so this does not surprise me.
Cairine
I didn’t know Omega 3 supplements were also for eye health, thank you.
Kristi Williams
Excellent information and awareness on our precious vision and ways to maintain it, thank you very much. I love the scent and benefits of frankincense and cypress together, great to know my eyes will receive goodies from these oils!
Cyndie Walls
Great information regarding glaucoma! Our eyesight is a very precious thing and I’m thankful for this article explaining how we can get help and what we can do to protect it. Thank you for caring enough to publish these blogs!
Gina Stevens
I had no idea that essential oils were beneficial for glaucoma!
Barrie
I get my eyes checked annually and they check each time for glaucoma. I do most of the suggestions but I like the addition of esential oils!
Betty S
great information on this article. I did not know that diffuser would help with eye issues
Jean Millsap
Wonderful advice and very enighteneing! At 61, I need this info NOW!
Lori
I didn’t realize that diffusing oils could help with eye issues. Thanks for the information!
Sara
August 21, 2019
This is dangerous information. Also, LOWER blood pressure can actually make your glaucoma WORSE.
This is NOT accurate information and if you choose to listen to this rather than your specialist, expect to lose a lot of vision.