Glaucoma: eye problem
- On 08/10/2025
What is glaucoma: Definition
Glaucoma is a progressive neuropathy that can affect the optic nerve, associated with an elevation of intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is a severe disease that can irreversibly alter the field of vision.
We generally distinguish between two main forms of glaucoma that cause vision degradation: chronic open-angle glaucoma, in which the permeability of the trabeculum is compromised and which progresses gradually, and acute angle-closure glaucoma, where access to the trabeculum is obstructed, even inaccessible, and which progresses rapidly to become an ophthalmic emergency.
We also find congenital glaucomas (which are present from birth and generally have a genetic cause) as well as secondary glaucomas that can be due to trauma, surgery, inflammation, a tumor, or even a hematoma.
Neovascular glaucoma is a variant of glaucoma associated with diabetic retinopathy. In developed countries, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after age-related macular degeneration.
What are the causes of glaucoma?
Ocular hypertension is associated with glaucoma. The pressure inside the eye is excessive, due to a problem with the elimination of intraocular fluid between the cornea and the iris. The elevated pressure leads to the erosion of the optic nerve tip, causing a gradual deterioration of the retinal optic fibers.
Usually, the intraocular fluid between the cornea and the iris, which nourishes the lens and the cornea and is called aqueous humor, is drained thru a kind of natural filter called the trabeculum. In some glaucomas called chronic open-angle glaucomas, the trabeculum obstructs the flow. Generally, open-angle glaucoma affects both eyes. This defect is often hereditary (it is estimated that 30% of glaucomas are hereditary). This situation is the most frequent and its progression is slow. In other cases, access to the trabeculum is difficult, even impossible, which then leads to painful crises. The closure of the iridocorneal angle is due to ocular hypertension. This type of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, mainly occurs in predisposed individuals (cataract progression, high hyperopia, large lens...) and constitutes an ophthalmic emergency.
Glaucoma is associated with various risk factors, including severe myopia, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, or even the use of corticosteroids. Beyond the age of 70, 1 in 7 individuals is affected by glaucoma. There are congenital glaucomas that are caused by deformations of the iridocorneal angle. These forms of glaucoma are generally hereditary and require management from a very young age.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
The symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma diagnosed, but they all lead to a loss of visual field in affected individuals:
Chronic open-angle glaucoma, which is generally asymptomatic, is unfortunately frequently diagnosed once the damage is already noticeable. The visual field is altered: initially peripherally, then more centrally. When the deficit and vision problems exist, the damage to the optic nerve is irreparable.
In the case of acute closed-angle glaucoma, the signs manifest suddenly and are expressed thru painful episodes, generally at nite, which are often accompanied by excessive sensitivity to light, decreased vision, and even nausea and vomiting. This glaucoma is considered an ophthalmological emergency.
Congenital glaucoma manifests in infants thru excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and blepharospasm (involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles).
Is glaucoma curable? Treatments drops, laser, surgery...
The progression of chronic open-angle glaucoma can be stopped by using drops. In order to prevent damage to the optic nerve, intraocular pressure must be normalized. The instillation of prostaglandin-based eye drops, sympathomimetic molecules, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, or beta-blockers proves effective in controlling glaucoma.
However, these medications must be taken for life. These medications thus help to stop the progression of glaucoma. In case of treatment failure, poor tolerance, or intraocular pressure that does not decrease, laser is an effective medical alternative. On the other hand, there is currently no treatment that works to restore lost vision. The treatment for acute angle-closure glaucoma combines medication and surgery to lower eye pressure and prevent recurrence. In the case of congenital glaucoma, the treatment is surgery.
Treat glaucoma naturally with plants and slow its progression
Oral magnesium supplements
First of all, the daily intake of 250 mg of magnesium is an effective aid in relaxing blood vessels and significantly improving blood circulation in the eyes.
The blueberry extract
The blueberry is a fruit that contains powerful anthocyanins considered to be bioactive molecules responsible for improving vision thru their action on cellular signaling pathways and DNA repair.
The Gingko Biloba
You can directly affect blood pressure by taking ginkgo biloba, known for its benefits on heart and arterial health, at a dosage of two to three 60 mg capsules per day. A study conducted by the Glaucoma Research Foundation revealed that ginkgo biloba-based therapies improved visual field damage for patients with normal-tension glaucoma.
Detoxify the kidneys
You need to drink a lot of water. We must also address the dysregulation of the nervous system, which is itself responsible for the dysregulation of eye pressure. We need a long-term treatment aimed at relieving the kidneys to allow the body to modulate its response to stress.
Olive leaves
They soothe eye tension. Moreover, olive leaves possess interesting immune-boosting properties.
vitamine C
According to studies, taking 2000 mg of vitamin C daily can reduce intraocular pressure. It is generally recommended to take 1000 mg of vitamin C between two to four times a day. Start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it so that your body gets used to its slightly laxative effect.
How to Treat Glaucoma Naturally?
The natural treatment of glaucoma lies in regulating ocular hypertension. However, surgery will sometimes be necessary. Thus, it is necessary to be monitored by an ophthalmologist.
Natural glaucoma treatment
Some plants and natural substances will be useful:
magnesium
the extract of Vaccinium Myrtillus, of Ginkgo Biloba
vitamin C: vitamin C is useful
Alpha-lipoic acid
omega-3 fatty acids against glaucoma.