THIS WEEK IN THE HSI HEALTHIER TALK COMMUNITY Ocular pressure can be quite dangerous and may even lead to vision loss. In a discussion titled "Natural treatment for ocular pressure?" an HSI member named Adria poses this question: "Husband recently had cataracts removed from both eyes…..now has 'a little high' pressure….anyone have a suggestion of something to lower this - other than pharmaceutical?" Peter777: "The most effective medical treatment for increased intraocular pressure is known as prostglandin antagonist. Diuretics are not commonly used except in emergencies. There is also a new laser treatment known as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) which is about 60-70% effective. I would discourage him from trying 'natural' methods. High pressure can lead to glaucoma which can result in irreversible loss of vision. And there are no symptoms until it is too late." Naturaleyecare: "From a holistic perspective, there are specific nutrients that can help lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and also help protect the optic nerve from damage. "Nutrients that are neuroprotective include taurine, vitamin B12 (with a B-Complex), alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C. Other nutrients that help strengthen the optic nerve include gingko biloba, Butcher's broom, Horse chestnut and grapeseed extract. This protocol is not meant to replace your doctors recommendations, but to help complement it. "Below is the protocol I often put my patients on who have glaucoma or are glaucoma suspects: 1) Optic Nerve formula - excellent eye multivitamin with nutrients that help lower IOP and help support the optic nerve 2) Carlsons Fish Oil - 1 tablespoon per day - helps lower IOP and strengthen the eyes 3) Coleus Forskolii - 30 drops 3 times per day - can lower IOP naturally up to 3-5 points" Michael: "Large dose vitamin c has been shown to decrease pressure." Dr. H.F. Wombat: "It has been known since the days of Klenner that Ascorbate lowers pressure. Megadosing is best, meaning the Cathcart protocol of titrating to bowel tolerance, in a few weeks a maintenance dose of 6-12 g per day." Other topics being discussed this week in the Healthier Talk community forums include:
- Headaches: Help for migraines
- Heart: Heart valve - supplements
- Cancer: Cancer and chemotherapy
- Vitamin Questions: It's official - sunshine is good for you
- General Health Topics: L-arginine and vision
- Autoimmune Diseases: Another option for fibromyalgia
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