Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases, in which most cases are primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Fluid in the eye circulates and filters through a meshwork, but when the pressure inside the eye increases because of too much production or not enough filtration, the pressure rise can causing damage to the optic nerve. This damage creates slow vision loss beginning in the periphery or side vision. Only further damage can be prevented and vision cannot be regained.

• Free radicals can cause damage to the optic nerve, where as antioxidants scavenge for these free radicals. Vitamin C is a vitamin that eliminates free radicals in the body.
  

• Antioxidants in green and black tea, coffee, dark chocolate and red wine contain compounds that neutralize the free radicals.
  

• Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) and also melatonin, naturally occurring antioxidants in our body, help to prevent DNA damage cause by oxidative stress due to these free radicals.
  

• Hypertension is a risk factor for glaucoma.

• A study found ginkgo biloba may improve preexisting visual field damage. 400mg four times per day may help—avoid if taking blood thinners or aspirin.
  

• A study in more than 1,274 older women found that eating more than two carrots per week, having one or more servings of collard greens/kale per month, and consuming more fresh oranges, peaches and spinach, were all found to be protective against glaucoma, especially for black women.

For more information

GlaucomaTopics.com
Glaucoma.org
AllAboutVision.com
Mayoclinic.com
Medlineplus.gov