Holistic Articles

1. Glaucocetin
GlaucoCetin contains ingredients which may be able to reverse the underlying causes of optic nerve and vision loss in glaucoma. Research shows that in patients with glaucoma, metabolism of optic nerve cells start to fail due to a dysfunctional mitochondria.

GlaucoCetin may be able to support and protect this necessary mitochondrial function. This allows the patient to use a dietary supplement which supports mitochondrial function to manage glaucoma and protect cells from nerve damage and death, ultimately preserving vision.

2. Ginkgo and Bilberry
Ginkgo and bilberry are two of the most commonly used medical plants for glaucoma treatment and management. Ginkgo is one of the ingredients listed in GlaucoCetin which help protect mitochondrial function. The plants can be used by themselves or be searched for in the ingredients of medical supplements.

Ginkgo has antioxidant properties, which may protect neurons from damage as well as acts as smooth muscle relaxant to improve ocular blood flow. Bilberry anthocyanins have properties which can improve blood flow and reduce eye pressure.

This plant is also efficient in protecting against neurotoxicity.

3. PEA and Mirtogenol
We offer and recommend palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and Mirtogenol. The supplement PEA can target multiple tissues, lower intraocular pressure (IOP), prevent inflammation and has natural neuroprotective functions, all of which are crucial for managing glaucoma preventing vision loss and reducing IOP a symptom of glaucoma.

Mirtogenol has been shown to lower intraocular pressure and improved ocular blood flow.

4. Exercise: Aerobic vs. Weightlifting
Maintaining a healthy weight is recommended for optimal health. Exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain and eye, which can support optic nerve.

Aerobic exercise has been shown to be beneficial. Weightlifting especially extremely heavy weight have been shown to possibly be harmful if you have glaucoma as it can increase intraocular pressure.

If weightlifting is part of your exercise routine and you have glaucoma you can consider smaller weights with higher reps.

5. Healthy Eating
Foods containing higher levels of antioxidants, retinol, and Vitamins A, C, E and zinc have all been shown to have some benefit in protecting again vision loss.

Eating colorful vegetables and fruits such as leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, bananas, and squash are all beneficial for maintaining vision and eye health.

Holistic Glaucoma Management
Written By Melissa Ajunwa Bohonos M.D.

Here is our holistic approach to Glaucoma Diagnosis, Monitoring and Treatment:

Glaucoma Diagnosis
We carefully review your personal medical, and family medical history. We also take a more detailed history to include social and environmental history.

Some of the tests that we perform to help diagnose Glaucoma include:
• Intraocular pressure measurement (Tonometry)
• Inspection of the drainage angle in the eye (Gonioscopy)
• Dilation to view optic nerve closely for signs of damage
• Visual field Test which checks for areas of vision loss that might be very subtle and not yet noticeable to you
• Ocular Coherence Tomography-a detailed microscopic measurement of optic nerve fibers and layers of the retina
• Color fundus photograph of your optic nerve
• In some cases we order blood tests and Imaging tests such as MRI/CT Scan to rule out other conditions that can mimic glaucoma.

Glaucoma Treatment
Mild to Moderate Glaucoma is typically treated with prescription eye drops that lower intraocular pressure. These drops either decrease the amount of fluid your eye makes or increases rate that the fluid flows out of the eye thereby lowering your eye pressure.

Examples of drops include:
Beta-Blockers: Timolol, Betaxolol
Prostaglandins: Latanoprost (Xalatan) Travaprost (Travatan)
Carbonic Anyhydrase Inhibitors: Dorzolamide (Trusopt) Brinzolamide (Azopt)
RhoKinase Inhibitor: Netarsudil (Rhopressa)
Oral medications are also available to treat glaucoma not well controlled with eye drops. Oral medication used to treat elevated intraocular pressure is typically a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox)

Other alternative science backed natural treatment for glaucoma exists. They include Mirtogenol, PEA, Gingko and Bilberry. Click here to learn more about “5 Holistic Ways to Manage Your Glaucoma”

It is important to work together with your eye care provider to determine the best treatment plan for your glaucoma. The statements made in this article are for educational purposes only and are not meant to treat or diagnose any disease. The supplements have not been FDA approved to treat any disease. Please make sure to discuss all supplements that you may be taking with your eye care and primary care provider.

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16111 San Pedro Ave. Suite 123
San Antonio, Texas 78232
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Holistic Eye Center 16111 San Pedro Ave. Suite 123 San Antonio, TX 78232 Phone: (210) 729-0544 Fax: (210) 729-0545

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