Save Your Eyesight in 4 Simple Steps
Q: My husband was recently diagnosed with glaucoma, and his doctor is recommending eye drops and maybe even surgery. Both come with numerous side effects. Are there any natural treatments that can help?
–Jack S.
Dr. G.: Unfortunately, your husband is not alone. Glaucoma is the most common eye disease in older people. It is also one of the leading causes of blindness in the world if – and that’s a big IF – it’s left untreated.
Glaucoma is typically caused by increased pressure in the eye. Over time, the pressure damages the optic nerve, which causes the main symptoms of glaucoma, namely loss of peripheral vision.
The key to combating glaucoma is to get ahead of it early.
There’s just one problem… In its early stages, glaucoma produces no symptoms.
That’s why I recommend getting regular eye exams from the time you hit 40—especially if you’re diabetic, have existing eye problems, or have a family history of glaucoma. These are the most common risk factors for glaucoma.
When you get regular eye checkups, your doctor can measure the pressure in your eye. If the pressure starts rising, you can stay ahead of the game by taking steps to lower the pressure before it damages the optic nerve.
In cases where the optic nerve has already become damaged, lowering eye pressure is still key to slowing the progression of glaucoma.
Ultimately, you and your doctor will have to decide if you’re going to use prescription eye drops—or even undergo surgery.
But whatever you decide, there are a few natural ways to lower pressure in the eye.
- The first is to get your insulin levels in check. Insulin can increase the pressure in your eye, so one of the best things you can do for your eyesight (and your health) is to cut out the sugary foods, like sodas, sweets, and bread.
- Exercise has also been found to lower eye pressure and improve blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. In fact, these effects can be achieved by raising your pulse as little as 20 percent. These benefits have been seen in both aerobic and resistance exercise.One form of exercise I DON’T recommend for people with glaucoma is yoga. While yoga has numerous mental and physical benefits for most people, the inversions that are common in yoga can cause as much as a 2-fold increase in eye pressure.
- Take steps to reduce your stress levels. Just as stress is known to increase blood pressure, it increases eye pressure as well.
- Finally, a handful of nutrients have been shown to protect the optic nerve. These include CoQ10, astaxanthin, bilberry, and magnesium. Also, be sure to eat plenty of seafood for the omega 3s.
Thanks for all the great questions. Remember, you can email me at [email protected].
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
5 Ways to “Beat the Bloat” This Thanksgiving
As we prepare for Thanksgiving week, there’s a lot to look forward to and be thankful for. Family gatherings, football games, great food, and even better desserts top the list. Then there are all the leftovers. It’s not a holiday that’s known for moderation. But if you’re not careful, overdoing it on Thanksgiving could leave […]
Eat THIS to Reduce Your Risk of 14 Cancers
I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I’ll never turn down a big, juicy steak. But even more than that… I’m a fish guy. There’s not much I like more than a perfectly grilled salmon. I hope you do, too, because salmon contains two potent nutrients tied to a reduced risk of 14 types of cancer. Omega-3s are […]
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk by 30%
More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer yearly. Another 35,000 will get a liver cancer diagnosis. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing one of these skyrockets—a 47 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, and a two to three times higher risk of liver cancer. That’s why I’m excited […]
“Dinner Plate” Danger Raises Prostate Risk
Did you know that prostate cancer is FAR more prevalent in developed parts of the world than in less developed regions? Strange right? What is it about our modern, developed society that’s attacking our male population? There are MANY answers to this question. The primary one I will focus on today is a significant environmental […]
The 5-Minute Solution to Better Blood Pressure
Are you one of the millions who battle the so-called “silent killer” hypertension? And do you have five minutes to spare daily? If so, you could be well on your way to significantly healthier blood pressure. Sound too good to be true? A new study proves it. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy If […]
“Eye-Opening” Benefits of Pistachios
Imagine if there were a daily snack that could protect your vision. Well, a recent study brings good news for the 20 million U.S. adults already battling macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss for those over 60. Adding a handful of pistachios to your diet might help shield your eyesight. Let’s take a “look.” […]
Get Better Blood Sugar This Holiday Season
Let’s face it. The holidays are NOT good for your waistline… or your blood sugar levels. Potlucks, family dinners, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties… you know the drill. So, if you’re one of the 98 million people on the brink of type 2 diabetes, it’s VITAL to take steps to manage your blood sugar levels as […]
Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks. Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer. And just last week I revealed how […]
Ditch Dieting for Better Blood Sugar Control
I’ll just say this right upfront… Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle issue. And while diet is PART of the equation, it’s not the only thing to consider when managing your blood sugar. Over the past few months, I’ve highlighted research showing that factors like your bedtime and activity levels impact diabetes risk. Today, I […]