Tips for Glaucoma Prevention

Reposted from Dr. Whitaker

http://www.drwhitaker.com/tips-for-glaucoma-prevention/?key=200260&utm_campaign=social&utm_source=acq-social-all&utm_medium=social-facebook&utm_content=social-whitaker-facebook-5022016-article-glaucoma-prevention

I have a family history of glaucoma and I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help avoid problems down the line. I'm a healthy, active woman in my 50s. Any input concerning glaucoma prevention would be appreciated. 

Glaucoma (or ocular hypertension) is a condition marked by an increase in inner eye pressures and subsequent damage to the optic nerve. After cataracts, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

It’s been diagnosed in nearly 2.3 million Americans and the signs and symptoms of glaucoma likely affect at least 2 million more—most of them over the age of 60. A first-degree relative with glaucoma does increase risk, so it’s a good idea to do what you can for glaucoma prevention.
Lifestyle measures, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation,are protective, as is supplemental vitamin C (at least 2,000–3,000 mg daily),which helps lower intraocular pressures.

Mirtogenol for Glaucoma Prevention

However, my number 1 recommendation is an herbal supplement called Mirtogenol. Studies suggest that this blend of bilberry and pycnogenol normalizes pressures within the eye and reduces the risk of developing glaucoma.

In one study, 20 people with slightly elevated intraocular pressures took 240 mg of Mirtogenol daily. After three months, 19 of them had significant decreases in eye pressures, while only one of 18 in a control group experienced improvements. At the end of the six-month study, the Mirtogenol group also had marked improvements in blood flow in the ocular arteries.

Another clinical trial tested six months of daily use of 120 mg of Mirtogenol, the prescription eye drop Latanoprost or a combination of the two in patients with average intraocular pressures of 38.1 mmHg (normal is less than 21). Although the combination of the prescription eye drops and Mirtogenol was most effective in glaucoma prevention, lowering eye pressures to 23 mmHg, Mirtogenol alone performed extremely well, decreasing pressures by nine points and increasing ocular blood flow in a manner similar to that of the drops.