Alternative Therapies for Glaucoma and Their Limitations

Glaucoma is well-known to lead to blindness if left untreated. However, even though this eye disease has no known cure, treatment can slow the progression of the condition for many years. While effective treatments are totally accessible at the eye doctor, many patients take the route of seeking alternative therapies. Here is a look at some of the commonly touted alternative treatment options for glaucoma and their actual limitations.

Antioxidants

Certain antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta carotene, or zinc have been examined as potential agents to help with managing glaucoma. However, no studies have established whether using antioxidants can actually help prevent the trademark vision loss that is associated with glaucoma. Make sure you get ample antioxidants in your diet to support your vision but trust your eye doctor for actual guidance to help slow progression and lower your risks of vision loss.

Marijuana

Marijuana has been shown to lower eye pressure, which is one of the most noteworthy traits of glaucoma. However, the relief of the eye pressure caused by glaucoma is only temporary after using marijuana, and using marijuana can obviously come along with several side effects and is still illegal in most states.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been a well-known form of alternative therapy for a number of ailments, including glaucoma. Some suggest that acupuncture may help to lower eye pressure related to glaucoma, but no official studies have been done to prove these suggestions are accurate.

Trust an Eye Doctor for Glaucoma Treatment in Wilmington

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, trusting your eye doctor’s advice is ever-important. While some alternative therapies have shown promise for glaucoma, most have not been effectively studied through clinical trials or established as a viable treatment. Reach out to us at the Paul Vision Institute in Wilmington to schedule an appointment to discuss glaucoma treatment.